Awful Announcing
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Brady Quinn shares bizarre pregame ritual on ‘Big Noon Kickoff’
On October 31, 2026, former Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn revealed his odd pregame ritual during Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” in Iowa City. While the show tries to outshine ESPN’s College GameDay and its Pat McAfee antics, Quinn disclosed that his parents gave him a swig of honey before games – and he dramatically gulped it straight from the bottle on air. The quirky habit sparked humor about sugar boosts for quarterbacks and drew a quick comparison to other media‑savvy ex‑QBs like Dan Orlovsky. The segment highlights the show's effort to stay relevant with entertaining player anecdotes.
NFL officiating crew moved off Sunday Night Football game after poor performance
The NFL has swapped the officiating crew for Sunday Night Football after referee Alex Moore’s crew drew harsh criticism for questionable calls in the Packers‑Lions game. Tom Brady labeled several penalties “soft,” and a particularly controversial unnecessary‑roughness call sparked outrage. As a result, Moore’s crew will now handle the regionally televised Patriots‑Dolphins matchup, while Shawn Hochini’s crew takes over the primetime Washington‑Philadelphia game. Officials say the move is about optics, not discipline, highlighting growing scrutiny of NFL refereeing this season.
Philadelphia 76ers announce Kalshi deal, becoming first NBA team to partner with prediction market
The Philadelphia 76ers have become the NBA’s first team to partner with a prediction‑market platform, signing a multi‑year agreement with Kalshi. The deal, announced on Oct. 30, 2026, aims to boost fan engagement through new content and creative programs. It follows the league‑wide partnerships announced earlier in the week with both Kalshi and Polymarket, and comes amid growing controversy over star players like LeBron James linking with prediction markets. The Sixers quickly activated the partnership with a promotional tweet and poster.
Pete Thamel dresses as Buzz Lightyear for Halloween ‘College GameDay’
During ESPN’s Halloween edition of College GameDay in Bloomington, reporter Pete Thamel lightens the mood by appearing in a full Buzz Lightyear costume, even delivering his segment with the catchphrase “to infinity and beyond” while previewing Texas Tech’s offense. The broadcast follows a tense week for co‑host Pat McAfee after a controversial Utah student video, but Thamel’s costume offers a playful contrast as the Hoosiers host the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Michael Grady delivers perfect call of Steph Curry dropping Luka Dončić
On October 31, 2026, the Lakers surrendered a 25‑point lead to the Warriors, losing 117‑100. The game’s standout moment was Steph Curry’s lethal crossover that sent Luka Dončić to the floor, followed by a clutch three‑pointer that sparked a 17‑point swing. Play‑by‑play announcer Michael Grady’s electrifying call captured the drama, while Curry finished with 31 points and later broke down the play on the Amazon Prime post‑game show. Dončić, despite averaging 36.2 PPG this season, couldn’t match Curry’s 38‑year‑old wizardry, turning the highlight into a viral sensation.
Packers’ Josh Jacobs blames media for mischaracterizing controversial touchdown celebration
Packers running back Josh Jacobs, who returned from the Commissioner’s Exempt List after pleading no contest to misdemeanor battery, says the media mis‑interpreted his second‑quarter touchdown celebration as a hand‑cuff gag. Jacobs explains the brief gesture was a nod to the gospel song “Break Every Chain,” not a reference to his May domestic‑violence case, which includes felony strangulation charges and ongoing legal battles. Coach Matt LaFleur downplays the controversy, while Jacobs expresses remorse for the situation and vows to improve.
Linda Cohn says ESPN cut her salary by 80 percent: ‘Loyalty doesn’t pay’
On The Sage Steele Show, veteran SportsCenter anchor Linda Cohn reveals that ESPN slashed her salary by 80% after the Los Angeles studio closed in May 2025, forcing her to accept a reduced deal to cover five events before her contract ended in June 2026. Cohn, who feels she was sidelined despite championing NHL coverage, describes the fallout, including a lack of clarity from ESPN and a painful “out‑of‑sight, out‑of‑mind” experience. She launched The Linda Cohn Show podcast in July and partnered with Bleav in September, celebrating newfound creative freedom.
College football viewing picks for October 31, 2026: How to watch Week 9
Awful Announcing’s October 31 guide lists every college football game you can stream or broadcast in Week 9. Highlights include the SEC’s “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” – Florida vs. Georgia on ABC/ESBN at 3:30 p.m., Ohio State at USC on NBC/Peacock, and the high‑profile Clemson‑Florida State clash on the ACC Network at 7 p.m. Early‑day action features Notre Dame‑Navy on ABC, Boston College‑Duke on The CW, and Wisconsin‑Iowa on Fox. Less‑touched matchups—like Mercyhurst‑Stonehill and Southern‑Florida A&M—air on regional networks and ESPN+. The list covers every tier, from Power 5 to HBCU classics, with streaming options (ESPN+, FloSports, YouTube) and network channels noted.
TV and streaming viewing picks for October 31, 2026: How to watch Game 7 of the WNBA Finals
Awful Announcing’s October 31, 2026 guide lists every TV and streaming option for the day’s sports slate, spotlighting how to catch Game 7 of the WNBA Finals. The article walks readers through the exact channels, streaming services and broadcast windows for each matchup—from AFL women’s games on Fox Soccer Plus to Bundesliga fixtures on Peacock/Telemundo, CFL playoffs on TSN/CTV and a packed Premier League lineup on USA Network and Peacock. It also highlights the pay‑per‑view slot for the Canelo Alvarez bout on DAZN and the F1 Mexico qualifying on Apple TV. With clear times and platform details, fans can easily plan their viewing schedule for the championship showdown and the rest of the day’s action.
Sports media world reacts to Bill Belichick, Jordon Hudson reportedly breaking up
TMZ confirms that Bill Belichick, now UNC head coach, and his 25‑year‑old girlfriend Jordon Hudson ended their romance late last year, though they remain business partners and friends. The breakup, hotly discussed across sports media, follows two years of podcast exposés, leaked Ring footage, and public spats that even saw legal threats and bans from UNC’s football facility. Hudson attended the Kentucky Derby with Belichick and has supported Tar Heels games this season, but fans speculate about her future and possible documentaries. The split reignites debate over the coach’s personal life amid the UNC‑Miami matchup.
Clippers host denies supplying hot mic fart
During the Clippers’ 103-87 loss to the Lakers on Oct. 29, 2026, arena host Hannah Cormier was caught on a hot‑mic clip that seemed to capture a loud fart as she introduced the dance team. The video went viral, racking up over 5 million views and sparking rumors that she produced the sound. Cormier posted an Instagram video denying the accusation, suggesting the noise was added by the uploader for clicks. The California Post echoed her view, noting the sound appears dubbed rather than a genuine mic incident.
Bomani Jones explains why he and Pablo Torre were never fully ‘compatible’ on ESPN’s ‘High Noon’
Bomani Jones reveals on The Awful Announcing Podcast why his chemistry with co‑host Pablo Torre never clicked on ESPN’s short‑lived ‘High Noon.’ While both were popular ESPN personalities, Jones likens their partnership to a mismatched roommate situation and notes that Torre’s focus on investigative, culture‑focused storytelling didn’t align with the straight‑sports debate format the show required. In contrast, Jones found a better fit with Dan Le Batard on ‘Highly Questionable.’ After ‘High Noon’ was cut from an hour to 30 minutes and cancelled after two years, both hosts have thrived in separate podcasts—Torre with muckraking sports investigations and Jones blending sports, music, politics, and pop culture.
Rex Ryan reportedly lobbying for Maryland coaching job
Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan, now a decade‑long ESPN analyst, is reportedly courting the University of Maryland’s vacant head‑coaching slot after Mike Locksley’s dismissal following a 12‑game Big Ten losing streak. Sources say Ryan’s high‑profile personality could generate "Deion‑level" buzz and attract a star‑studded staff, though his long absence from coaching raises doubts. He would join other candidates such as Brian Kelly and Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, all vying to revive Maryland football.
Budda Baker addresses trade rumors in full Halloween garb
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker fielded trade‑deadline questions on Friday while dressed in a full Joker‑style Halloween costume. He dismissed rumors about a possible move, saying he’s focused on the upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys and aims for a win at their stadium. The light‑hearted interview, captured in a tweet by Nolan Bianchi, highlights Baker’s playful holiday spirit amid serious offseason speculation.
Jonathan Taylor bristles at Colts rebuild talk during press conference: ‘You think we’re rebuilding?’
Running back Jonathan Taylor pushes back against rumors that the Indianapolis Colts are rebuilding. After a 2-5 start, the team has fired GM Chris Ballard, traded guard Quenton Nelson and DT DeForest Buckner, and faces more possible moves before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Taylor, under a $44 million extension through 2028, told reporters he’s focused on winning and rallying the locker room, refusing to wave a white flag. His comments come as the Colts’ front office appears to be dismantling the current roster.
ESPN filmed footage of Ben Simmons post-Achilles tear for ‘Being Ben’ epilogue
ESPN captured Ben Simmons’ reaction to a right Achilles tear that ended his Sacramento Kings comeback just days after the documentary "Being Ben" premiered on Oct. 18. The 6‑ft‑10 guard, who posted preseason averages of 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 17.5 minutes, underwent surgery on Oct. 20 and will rehab in Sacramento, praising the support from GM Scott Perry, owner Vivek Ranadivé and coach Doug Christie. Simmons says he’s determined to return next season, adding new footage for an epilogue to the film.
Bill Simmons says Josh Kushner still ‘$5-6 billion’ short on Lakers deal
Bill Simmons claims Josh Kushner is still $5‑6 billion short of the $12.5 billion price tag for the Los Angeles Lakers, noting that Bob Iger is only contributing a minimal $63 million. Simmons suggests the deal’s delays may be blamed on the Buss family while Kushner scrambles to attract extra investors, casting doubt on whether the sale will ever close. The podcast comments, made for a “Aggregate Me” segment, have sparked debate, with Bloomberg reporter Randall Williams citing sources that dispute Simmons’s figures and say extended timelines are typical for such mega‑deals.
Brian Kelly says CBS gig ‘not a stopover’ but won’t rule out coaching return
Brian Kelly, fresh off his 2025 dismissal from LSU, spends his first post‑coaching season as a CBS and College Sports Radio analyst. He says the role fills a gap, letting him interact with players and coaches, but stresses the gig isn’t a permanent retirement from the sidelines. Kelly admits he still loves developing young men and wouldn’t rule out a return if the right coaching opportunity—like rumored ties to Maryland, Rutgers or NC State—appears. He also reflects on LSU’s unmet championship expectations and notes Lane Kiffin inherits the same pressure.
Appeals court reinstates NFL Sunday Ticket verdict, orders new trial on damages
A three‑judge Ninth Circuit panel has reinstated the jury’s antitrust liability verdict against the NFL over its out‑of‑market Sunday Ticket package, while ordering a new trial on damages. The 2024 class‑action, brought by DirecTV subscribers, originally netted a $4.7 billion award that could have risen to $14 billion under antitrust treble‑damage rules. The appeals court found the district court erred by excluding plaintiffs’ expert testimony, but affirmed the judge’s view that the jury’s damage calculations were unsupported. A fresh jury will now decide how much the NFL owes.
Al Michaels flippantly calls Kirk Herbstreit a ‘clown’ over analytics jab
During Thursday Night Football, Al Michaels snaps at broadcast partner Kirk Herbstreit, calling him a “clown” after Herbstreit jokes about the Packers’ analytics‑driven decision to attempt a 59‑yard field goal versus a punt late in a 27‑19 win over Carolina. The banter, sparked by a 4th‑down scenario, highlights Michaels’ quick wit amid criticism of his age, while the Packers ultimately punted on 4th‑and‑12. The exchange underscores the playful tension between Michaels and Herbstreit and offers a glimpse of the game’s pivotal moments.
Clemson and Florida State sued the ACC for more TV money. Now their Week 9 matchup is stuck on ACC Network again
Clemson (4-3, 2-2 ACC) and Florida State (3-4, 1-3 ACC) face off Saturday night on the ACC Network, a repeat of last year’s primetime cable slot. Both schools sued the ACC in 2023‑24 over TV revenue, settling in March 2025 with a viewership‑based payout that could net Clemson over $120 million in six years. Yet their recent .500 records and slipping viewership have left the matchup on the league’s own channel, underscoring how the legal fight failed to boost their national profile.
Marcellus Wiley’s attorney attempts to drop him after new rape allegations surface
Former NFL defensive end Marcellus Wiley faces fresh rape accusations dating back to 1999 while he was with the Buffalo Bills. A woman alleges she was assaulted, citing a rape kit with bruising and Wiley’s semen, and claims a DA dismissed charges after Wiley denied her story. One day later, Wiley’s divorce attorney Lisa Helfend Meyer filed a motion to withdraw from his Los Angeles County case, citing a breakdown in the attorney‑client relationship. Wiley, who previously saw domestic‑battery charges dropped and is under a three‑year restraining order, denies all allegations. The new suit adds to ongoing sexual‑assault claims from multiple women.
Brett Yormark reportedly set to move on from role as Big 12 commissioner
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormank is poised to depart, according to ESPN reporter Peter Thamel. Since taking the helm in 2022, Yormank secured lucrative TV deals with ESPN and Fox, steadied the league through the pandemic, guided the exit of Texas and Oklahoma, and added former Pac‑12 members. He also weathered controversies over a high‑tech LED court and Friday‑night football scheduling. Yormank says the conference is “16 strong” and will stay on until at least January before moving to a role outside college sports. The article details his achievements and recent disputes that defined his tenure.
La Liga’s U.S. viewership soars as El Clásico sets all-time record on ESPN
La Liga’s U.S. audience spikes 50% YoY, highlighted by a record‑breaking El Clásico on Oct. 27 that averaged 2.4 million viewers on ABC and ESPN Deportes—more than double last season’s figure. Combined English and Spanish viewership now averages 142,000, with kids up 84%, adults 18‑34 up 69%, and women up 56%. ESPN also logged top‑rated La Liga matches this season, including Elche‑Barcelona (1.0 M) and the Madrid Derby (574 K). The surge sets the stage for continued growth ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Greg Olsen reportedly seen as favorite to replace Troy Aikman at ESPN despite brief history with network brass
Fox analyst Greg Olsen emerges as the leading candidate to replace Troy Aikman on ESPN’s Monday Night Football. After two seasons as Fox’s lead analyst, including calling Super Bowl LVII and earning a Sports Emmy, Olsen’s contract allows him to leave for a top‑slot job. ESPN insiders say his brief meetings with chairman Jimmy Pitaro and content president Burke Magnus, plus a recent visit to the network’s suite, have put him on the radar. With Aikman's future uncertain and ESPN needing a new analyst, Olsen could become Joe Buck’s next partner.
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