Awful Announcing
Total reads
217
This week
7
Rank
#219 of 465
Published
3,619 posts
Last 12 weeks
Most read posts
Featured on Sportsblogs
Run this blog? Add the badge to your site to show readers you're featured — it links back to this page.
Latest Entries
Paul Finebaum says ESPN ‘of course’ sidelined him after he floated Senate run
Paul Finebaum tells the Awful Announcing podcast that ESPN quietly sidelined him after he hinted at a 2026 Senate run in Alabama during a September 2025 interview with Clay Travis. Finebaum says the Disney‑owned network dropped his regular appearances on flagship shows like Get Up and SportsCenter, though he still showed up on the SEC Network and a Matt Barrie podcast. ESPN’s communications VP Bill Hofheimer denied any ban, calling the claim “totally false.” The dispute centers on whether Finebaum’s political ambitions, including his support for Donald Trump, prompted the network’s reduced airtime.
CBS signs J.J. Watt to new multi-year lead analyst deal
CBS Sports has signed former Houston Texans star J.J. Watt to a multi‑year contract as its lead NFL analyst, cementing his role alongside veteran Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson. Watt moved up from number‑two analyst after Tony Romo’s departure and has impressed the network in his first two months. The deal comes as CBS, now under the Paramount‑Warner Bros. Discovery‑Skydance umbrella, opts to retain Watt instead of pursuing other free‑agent analysts like Greg Olsen or Troy Aikman. Watt expressed gratitude, highlighting his chemistry with the broadcast team.
David Samson on the World Series, working with Pablo Torre, and honoring his daughter’s memory
David Samson, former Marlins president and current media regular, discusses the upcoming World Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays. He praises both clubs as exemplars of small‑market success, highlighting the Brewers’ disciplined roster moves—trading Josh Hader, parting with Devin Williams and not re‑signing Willy Adames—and the Rays’ complete roster rebuild since their 2020 run. Samson predicts a six‑game series win for Milwaukee, citing a dominant bullpen and strong starters like Drew Rasmussen and Freddy Peralta. He also notes the series won’t sway the looming labor talks, as owners view negotiations in broader, multi‑year terms.
TV and streaming viewing picks for October 22, 2026: How to watch Pats-Bears on TNF
The Awful Announcing guide details every TV and streaming option for October 22, 2026, with a spotlight on Thursday Night Football’s New England Patriots‑Chicago Bears clash at Soldier Field. The game streams live on Prime Video (English team Al Michaels/Kirk Herbstreit, Spanish team Miguel Gurwitz/Rolando Cantú) and locally on WCVB, WMUR and WFLD, kicking off at 8:15 p.m. ET, followed by a Prime Video post‑game show at 11:15 p.m. The article also lists a full day of sports programming—from AFL women’s Round 11 and College Football Week 8 to NBA matchups, UFC events, golf tournaments, and MLB shows—complete with channel line‑ups and announcer rosters, helping fans map out the entire sports lineup for the day.
AA: Podcast Paul Finebaum on Arch Manning, Bill Belichick, Tim Tebow, ESPN, radio callers, and more
In the latest Awful Announcing Podcast, host Brandon Contes talks with ESPN’s Paul Finebaum about a range of hot topics. Finebaum predicts where Arch Manning might play next season, weighs his NFL prospects, and compares him to Tim Tebow. He also opens up about his relationship with Tebow, the intense fan backlash—including death threats—he’s faced, and the role of radio callers in his show. The conversation turns to his turbulent ties with ESPN, including a rumored sidelining after a potential Senate run, his expiring contract, and future plans, before touching on Bill Belichick and the College Football Playoff.
ESPN announcers incredulous over LaMelo Ball non-travel
During the NBA’s opening night on Oct. 22, 2026, LaMelo Ball scored 16 first‑half points for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but a replay showed him taking at least four steps before a three‑point shot—what ESPN’s Mike Breen, Tim Legler and Richard Jefferson called “the most obvious travel in NBA history.” The announcers repeatedly demanded a call, highlighting ongoing concerns about lenient officiating. The incident sparked debate over Ball’s footwork and its impact on future scoring records.
WNBA Finals reaches early record viewership marks
Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries draws a record 2.1 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, an 11% increase over last year and the most‑watched opening game in league history. The matchup, featuring Angel Reese and two teams chasing their first championship, underscores the league’s broader growth—2021’s Game 1 pulled just 469,000 viewers. While most of the series shifts to USA Network (Game 2 logged 1.33 million viewers, a 9% rise), the early ratings surge proves the WNBA can thrive beyond star Caitlin Clark.
Adam Amin pays emotional tribute to Stacey King at Bulls opener
At the Chicago Bulls’ season opener against the Toronto Raptors, play‑by‑play announcer Adam Amin delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late Stacey King, who died in June at 59. King, a three‑time champion and beloved broadcaster, was honored with a video montage and an empty chair on the broadcast desk, complete with a crown and playing card. Amin spoke about King’s impact before Robbie Hummel joined as analyst, noting the team will rotate analysts throughout the year. The moving ceremony highlighted King’s lasting legacy as a player and commentator.
Details emerge of Troy Aikman and Joe Buck blowup, deteriorating relationship
After 25 years together, ESPN’s lead NFL duo Joe Buck and Troy Aikman appear to be headed for a split. Reports from Touch Weekly and Puck’s Dylan Byers reveal a heated argument before the Rams‑Bills Monday Night Football game, with Aikman feeling “betrayed” after Buck secured a contract renewal while Aikman was left out. Sources say Buck may move to a new partner, possibly Greg Olsen, and the tension could culminate at Super Bowl LXI, likely their final broadcast together.
NFL reportedly keeps Eagles-Commanders on ‘Sunday Night Football’
The NFL decides to keep the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders matchup on NBC’s Sunday Night Football for Week 8, despite earlier talks of flexing in a Browns‑Steelers game. Both teams, now 1‑4‑1, could battle for the NFC East lead, giving the game primetime relevance. Scheduling rules limit other options, and the league has already spotlighted Philadelphia with four additional primetime slots, a Thanksgiving game, and a Christmas Eve contest. The stakes rise further as the Eagles will play without quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is out for the season after blood clots were discovered, prompting medical controversy and an NFLPA investigation.
Jerry Jones vouches for Troy Aikman amid ESPN contract rumors
Jerry Jones publicly backs former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman as rumors swirl about Aikman's ESPN contract. Front Office Sports reported tension between Aikman and co‑host Kirk Buck, noting Buck just secured a six‑year extension while ESPN has not committed to Aikman beyond this season. Jones praised Aikman's talent and future potential during an NFL owners meeting in New York, saying he closely follows the former star’s career. The article also mentions Aikman's uncertain consultant role with the Miami Dolphins and notes that Jones’ support won’t affect CBS’s decision on Tony Romo.
Ryan Fitzpatrick walks back ‘disrespectful’ line about Bo Nix but stands by his criticism
Former quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick reiterates his criticism of Broncos rookie Bo Nix after Denver’s 17-14 overtime win over Seattle, admitting he regrets calling Nix’s play “almost disrespectful to the quarterback position.” Fitzpatrick defended the substance of his comments, noting Nix’s 17‑of‑27, 107‑yard performance and lack of competitiveness, while also acknowledging his own career’s modest résumé in a light‑hearted Twitter exchange with former Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib. The former analyst contrasted Nix’s effort with the aggressive fourth‑quarter play of quarterbacks like CJ Stroud, Trevor Lawrence and Aaron Rodgers, saying Nix must step up to earn respect.
Robert Saleh delivers delicate statement on Jordan Elliott gun incident: ‘Cry for help’
Titans head coach Robert Saleh addresses the release of defensive lineman Jordan Elliott after Elliott retrieved a gun at the team's facility. Saleh emphasizes the NFL's strict firearm policy, frames Elliott's actions as a possible cry for help, and highlights broader mental‑health concerns after recent player suicides. He praises the league's response, stresses getting Elliott professional help, and even offers his services to other teams interested in Elliott's talent despite the incident.
NFL has ‘no concern’ about Joe Buck, Troy Aikman tension
NFL media chief Hans Schroeder says the league has “no concern” about the reported tension between Monday Night Football’s Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, pointing to their “incredible” coverage of the 49ers’ win over the Commanders. The dispute stems from contract talks: Buck secured a six‑year, $108 million extension in September, while Aikman, earning $18 million a year, remains in the final year of his deal with no formal offer. Aikman hinted ESPN may be moving in a different direction before the Super Bowl on Feb. 14, 2031. With speculation about Greg Olsen as a possible replacement, the NFL and ESPN appear confident the broadcast will stay strong through the season.
ESPN’s top NBA crew dismisses possibility of NBA shortening regular season
ESPN’s leading NBA analysts say shortening the 82‑game schedule is off the table. On a preseason press call, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, and Mike Breen argued that modern sports science, reduced back‑to‑backs, and the league’s financial ecosystem make a cut unrealistic. Jefferson warned that cutting games would disrespect past players who endured harsher travel, while Legler noted stars would still sit out, dropping player appearances from a hoped‑for 70 games to around 60. Breen highlighted the massive revenue loss for teams, arena staff and local businesses, concluding the league won’t sacrifice ten games for a shorter season.
Chris Russo torches Brewers and Pat Murphy for snubbing his radio show
Hall‑of‑Fame radio host Chris “Mad Dog” Russo lashes out at the Milwaukee Brewers for refusing his interview request with manager Pat Murphy ahead of the World Series. Russo, who boasts a 40‑year radio career and recent appearances on First Take, says the Brewers cited Murphy’s busy schedule despite the team’s recent sweep of the Dodgers to reach its first WS in over four decades. He accuses the club of favoritism toward other media outlets and demands a brief slot for his show.
ESPN NHL writer Greg Wyshynski signs multiyear extension
ESPN’s senior NHL writer Greg Wyshynski announces a new multiyear contract with the network on October 21, 2026. Wyshynski, who joined ESPN in 2017 after leading the Puck Daddy blog at Yahoo Sports and a weekly column at Deadspin, will continue covering the league across the website, SportsCenter and ESPN podcasts. The extension comes as ESPN nears the end of its NHL media rights deal, which runs through the 2028 Stanley Cup Final. Wyshynski teases additional personal news, reassuring fans that his hockey coverage will stay on‑air.
Hot mic catches offensive slur during NHL broadcast
During a Minnesota Wild‑Edmonton Oilers game on Oct. 21, 2026, a hot‑mic capture on the Wild+ broadcast inadvertently aired a crowd voice saying, “Every goalie’s r*tarded.” The slur was not heard on Sportsnet’s Canadian feed. Play‑by‑play announcer Anthony LaPanta and analyst Ryan Carter did not comment on the incident. While the source of the remark remains unknown, officials highlighted that such clear offensive language is rare on live TV. The article discusses the reaction and the broader context of goalie-related insults in hockey.
Maryland student reporters have cops dispatched on them while covering Mike Locksley firing
Maryland Terrapins fire head football coach Mike Locksley after a 2‑5 start, most recently losing to Rutgers. While two student reporters from the Testudo Times tried to interview players at the Jones‑Hill practice facility, an athletics staffer called police, prompting two officers to escort the students away. The incident highlights the university’s tight new media policy that limits follow‑up questions and even confiscated microphones, sparking concerns about press freedom amid a program that’s gone 2‑20 in Big Ten play over three seasons.
NFL world reacts to conflicting statements from NFL medical exec, NFLPA on Jalen Hurts situation
The NFL and NFLPA clash over quarterback Jalen Hurts' blood‑clot saga. After the Eagles cleared Hurts to play in London despite a calf clot, tests later revealed multiple lung clots, ending his season. NFL chief medical officer Allen Sills defended the league’s protocols as “nonsense” to accuse doctors of endangering players, while the NFLPA demands a full investigation, noting the league has no plans to review the care. Commissioner Roger Goodell says the league will “welcome” the probe. Reactions from analysts and former players flood social media, questioning player safety and team medical decisions.
How will World Series ratings fare for Rays-Brewers?
The upcoming World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers may struggle to match the runaway ratings of the recent Dodgers‑Blue Jays and Dodgers‑Yankees finales, which averaged over 15 million viewers. With both clubs in smaller markets (11th and 38th DMA) and lacking household stars, the matchup risks echoing the 2023 Rangers‑Diamondbacks series that hovered around 9 million viewers. However, Nielsen’s expanded measurement methods, a boost in MLB viewership from NBC’s new Sunday Night Baseball deal, and the looming offseason lockout could lift the audience to 10‑13 million on average, especially if the series extends to six or seven games. The article weighs these factors to forecast ratings for what could be baseball’s last big showcase before a possible work stoppage.
Jemele Hill, Cari Champion call out WNBA for not allowing journalists to fully cover league
Jemele Hill and Cari Champion argue the WNBA’s record‑breaking viewership—averaging 771,000 regular‑season fans and a historic 2.1 million for Game 1 of the finals—may be hindered by restrictive media policies. Hill cites a three‑day media blackout during the semifinals and the revocation of Scott Agness’s credentials after he reported an injury, while Champion points to franchise aversion to criticism and stereotypes about women handling critique. With the league poised to add three teams by 2030 and commissioner Cathy Engelbert set to depart, they urge the incoming commissioner to overhaul communications and allow fuller press coverage.
Versant CEO leaves door open for reunion with NBCUniversal after spinoff
Versant CEO Mark Lazarus says a reunion with NBCUniversal isn’t on the agenda, even as Comcast prepares to spin off its media arm and the two firms still share major sports rights like the Premier League, Olympics and golf. While NBC still handles Versant’s ad sales through next year, Lazarus emphasizes a shift away from cable toward digital platforms such as GolfNow and Fandango. He also rules out buying any new cable networks, including potential Skydance assets. Despite these plans, Versant’s digital revenue is under 25% of total and its stock is down 29% since the January spin‑off, leaving investors skeptical of the strategy.
Kirk Minihane rips p*ssy Dave Portnoy for always running to Fox News: ‘Won’t go on with anybody who challenges him’
On his October 20 podcast, Kirk Minihane blasts Barstool founder Dave Portnoy for dodging political debate, claiming Portnoy prefers Fox News appearances over challenging conversations on their former "Unnamed Show." Minihane says Portnoy quit the co‑hosted show because he couldn’t handle Minihane’s push‑back, yet continues to air partisan takes on Fox, targeting Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El‑Sayed and other Democrats. The feud highlights Minihane’s upcoming podcast revamp and uncertainty about his future at Barstool.
Your 2026 NFL Week 7 announcing schedule
The NFL’s Week 7 schedule features a historic regular‑season game in Paris as the Pittsburgh Steelers face the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France, called by Dave Pasch, Jason Kelce and Kurt Warner on NFL Network (9:30 a.m. ET). Week 8 opens with New England at Chicago on Thursday Night Football (Al Michaels/Kirk Herbstreit on Prime Video). CBS pairs Jim Nantz with J.J. Watt for the Bengals‑Ravens, while Fox’s Tom Brady teams with Kevin Burkhardt for the Packers‑Lions. NBC’s Sunday Night Football pits the Chiefs against the Seahawks with Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth, and ESPN’s MNF has Joe Buck and Troy Aikman calling the Cowboys‑Eagles. The article lists all announcer line‑ups and broadcast times for the week.
Displaying entries 226-250
of the latest 1,250