Awful Announcing
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‘MNF Playbook’ altcast ratings drawing closer to slumping ManningCast
Ratings for NFL Network’s “MNF Playbook” alt‑cast are closing in on the dwindling viewership of ESPN2’s ManningCast. This week’s Dallas Cowboys–Philadelphia Eagles game drew 517,000 viewers for the Mannings, while the Next Gen Stats‑driven Playbook with Mike Monaco, Louis Riddick, Brian Hoyer and Brian Burke attracted 499,000. Combined, the two alt‑casts contributed to an 18.8 million‑viewer audience across all networks. Playbook also beat Pat McAfee’s Field Pass in the 49ers‑Commanders matchup, signaling a shift toward more analytical, data‑heavy broadcasts as the Mannings’ format loses steam ahead of the 2027 season.
Bill Cowher to advise NC State in football coaching search
NC State’s athletic director Boo Corrigan will spearhead the search for Dave Doeren’s successor, drawing on a advisory panel that includes Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Wolfpack linebacker Bill Cowwell and alumnus Dewayne Washington. Cowell, now a 20‑year veteran on The NFL Today, will split his time between CBS and vetting candidates while Todd Goebbel serves as interim head coach after Doeren’s dismissal following a 31‑28 loss at Stanford that left the Wolfpack 3‑4 overall. The move marks the program’s first use of such high‑profile alumni counsel.
‘Who he play for?’ legend Garrett Temple makes ‘Inside the NBA’ appearance
Veteran guard Garrett Temple, who spent 16 NBA seasons with 12 teams—most notably a four‑year stretch with the Washington Wizards (2012‑2016)—appears on ESPN’s Inside the NBA for a special “Who he play for?” segment. Co‑host Charles Barkley attempts to name the franchises Temple played for, surprisingly getting four of six correct, and notes that Temple now serves as an assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks, a team he never played for. The light‑hearted bit includes playful SEC banter between Temple’s LSU Tigers and Barkley’s Auburn, highlighting Temple’s good‑natured sportsmanship as he transitions into coaching.
How ‘The Pivot’ is navigating its biggest pivot yet after Ryan Clark exit from ESPN
The Pivot, the popular interview podcast co-hosted by former NFL players Channing Crowder, Fred Taylor and Ryan Clark, faces its biggest shift after Clark’s departure from ESPN. The show, known for candid, emotionally‑charged conversations with guests like Barack Obama, Kevin Hart and Tom Brady, emphasizes a relaxed "sit‑back" intro to break down interview barriers. Since its 2022 launch—born from the split of I Am Athlete—the trio, along with exec producer Alicia Zubikowski and manager Johnny Williams, have kept decision‑making fully collaborative, each holding equity. The Pivot recently secured a two‑year video licensing deal with Netflix, marking a new distribution phase as it navigates leadership changes.
Joe Buck, Troy Aikman tension reportedly persists behind the scenes
Tensions between ESPN’s Monday Night Football duo Joe Buck and Troy Aikman remain high despite a drama‑free broadcast of the Eagles‑Cowboys game. Reports from Dylan Byers say Aikman, whose five‑year, $90 million contract ends in March 2027, feels “blindsided” after learning Buck secured a six‑year, $108 million extension in May and may work without him next season, possibly with Greg Olsen. Sources describe Aikman as increasingly cold and accusing Buck of betrayal, while Buck apologised to the production crew and vows to move forward. With Aikman hinting he’ll be a free agent after this season, the partnership could end after its 25th year.
Landon Donovan and Tim Howard refuse to dumb down the conversation on ‘Unfiltered Soccer’
Landon Donovan and Tim Howard launch the Unfiltered Soccer podcast as a standout voice amid the 2026 World Cup on U.S. soil. The former U.S. men’s soccer stars, who made iconic World Cup moments in 2010 and 2014, partnered with Sinclair’s AMP Sports in November 2024 to create a candid, insight‑driven show. Season 2 already boasts 94,000 YouTube subscribers and guests like Jason Kelce, Don Garber, Clint Dempsey, Emma Hayes and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández. Donovan stresses that great players don’t automatically make great media talent, and both hosts use their on‑field and front‑office experience to cut through the noise of vanity‑driven sports content.
Charles Barkley accuses LeBron James of disrespecting the national anthem
Charles Barkley joins Donald Trump in condemning LeBron James for mimicking a golf swing during the national anthem before his Philadelphia 76ers debut on Oct. 28, 2026. Barkley called the gesture “very disrespectful,” while noting he ignores Trump’s opinions. The article clarifies James was not protesting—he’s stood for the anthem in 1,925 prior games—but his arm movements sparked a viral controversy. Both figures face criticism for turning a harmless motion into a political flashpoint.
Versant reportedly opposed WNBA Finals Game 6 move to midday
The WNBA Finals Game 6 between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries moves to a 12:30 p.m. ET start at State Farm Arena after scheduling conflicts with the Atlanta Hawks and the smaller Gateway Center. Versant, which also employs reporter Alex Sherman, had pushed for a primetime slot at Gateway to protect a larger TV audience, warning that the midday shift could cut viewership by hundreds of thousands compared with the 1.33 million tuned in for Game 2. Despite the broadcaster’s objections, the league prioritized in‑person attendance, with USA Network planning an 8 p.m. replay. The decision highlights the tension between live‑game fans and TV ratings.
Troy Aikman puts chances of being back on television next year at 50/50
Troy Aikman says his future on TV is a 50‑50 proposition after his contract ends with ESPN following this year’s Super Bowl, the network’s inaugural broadcast of the game. While Joe Buck secured a six‑year, $100 million extension, Aikman’s renewal talks have stalled, and rumors of tension between the duo grow. With top analyst slots already filled at Fox, CBS, NBC and Prime Video, Aikman may consider a role with the Dallas Cowboys or another outlet, but he hopes to stay in the booth.
Dave Pasch reflects on difficult decision to leave Cardinals for ESPN’s NFL booth
Dave Pasch reveals on the Traina Thoughts podcast why he left the Arizona Cardinals radio booth after a 24‑year run for ESPN’s NFL role. The veteran play‑by‑play talent signed a multiyear ESPN extension in June, adding NFL, NBA and college basketball duties, and now calls games alongside Kurt Warner and Jason Kelce from the NFL Network. Pasch reflects on his longtime partnership with Ron Wolfley, the brief stint with A.Q. Shipley, and the grueling travel that led to a hectic cross‑country schedule, including his NFL debut at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Oct. 4. While he misses the Cardinals, he says the new national opportunity reclaims his Sundays and sparks fresh enthusiasm.
Barstool staffer describes working with ‘always paranoid’ Pat McAfee
Former Barstool staffer Jeff “Vibbs” Vibbert describes Pat McAfee as “always paranoid,” shedding light on the host’s volatile temperament that fuels frequent feuds. Vibbert, who worked with McAfee during the early Barstool Heartland days (2017‑2018), tells the Out and About podcast that coworkers walked on eggshells, co‑signing McAfee’s suspicions and reacting to perceived slights—recently sparked by a controversial Utah video and a Charlie Kirk comparison. He notes a pattern of swift “burn‑the‑bridge” reactions, a victim mentality, and relentless criticism despite McAfee’s media success with ESPN, FanDuel and WWE. The interview offers a rare insider view of the personality behind the outspoken former NFL punter.
Fox puts Bob Uecker calls over Brewers playoff highlights in tribute
The Milwaukee Brewers capture their first World Series title by beating the Tampa Bay Rays 5-2 in Game 5, and Fox Sports honors legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker with a special tribute. Uecker, who called Brewers games for over 50 years until his death in January 2025, is remembered through a montage of postseason highlights set to his iconic calls, while lead announcer Joe Davis quoted one of Uecker’s lines during Game 4. Manager Pat Murphy and the players also paid homage, underscoring how the late "Mr. Baseball" inspired the championship run.
Andy Reid’s comments on Justin Tucker signing shows hollowness of NFL coachspeak
Andy Reid faces backlash after the Kansas City Chiefs add former Ravens All‑Pro kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad. Tucker, who served a 10‑game suspension amid multiple sexual‑misconduct accusations that he denies, sparked outrage from victims and fans. In a press conference, Reid offered vague, non‑committal responses—“he’s done his suspension… I’ll leave it at that”—when asked about the message to women and the ownership’s role. Critics argue the coach missed an opportunity to condemn harmful behavior and highlight the team’s stance, especially as Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker struggles. The article examines Reid’s “coachspeak” and the broader controversy surrounding the signing.
The top five candidates to replace Ernie Johnson on ‘Inside the NBA’
Ernie Johnson announces his retirement from Inside the NBA at the end of the 2026-27 season, prompting speculation on his successor for the 2027-28 launch. Awful Announcing outlines five top candidates: Adam Lefkoe, the seasoned TNT host with deep ties to the crew; Nate Burleson, the former NFL star turned March Madness host; Malika Andrews, ESPN’s rising NBA lead who already anchors the Finals; Mike Greenberg, a veteran ESPN personality with broad hosting chops; and a brief mention of Charles Barkley’s potential exit. The piece weighs each contender’s chemistry, experience, and network alignment.
Barstool Sports’ T-Bob Herbert wonders if college football actually needs to be saved
Barstool Sports host T‑Bob Herbert questions ESPN’s push for the Protect College Sports Act, arguing that college football may not need saving. While former Alabama coach Nick Saban champions the legislation, Herbert points to a more competitive landscape—UCLA topping the Big Ten, Kentucky leading the SEC, and Utah heading the Big 12—as evidence that the NIL and transfer‑portal era has made the game more unpredictable and exciting. He acknowledges a "mercenary" feel and fewer blowouts, but celebrates the surge of underdog stories and fan engagement. The piece also notes critics like Domonique Foxworth and Stephen A. Smith who doubt the bill’s motives.
AA Podcast: Bomani Jones on The Right Time, ESPN, Dan Le Batard, Pablo Torre, Pat McAfee, and more
In the latest Awful Announcing Podcast, host Brandon Contes sits down with Bomani Jones—fresh off his move from Wave to Playmaker’s "The Right Time"—to dissect his departure from ESPN, the end of HBO’s Game Theory, and his collaborations with Dan Le Batard, Pablo Torre, and Pat McAfee. Jones also rips into ESPN’s podcast strategy, compares his chemistry with Le Batard versus Torre, and weighs in on Stephen A. Smith. The episode offers a timeline of topics from 02:28 to 54:23, making it a must‑listen for fans of sports media insiders.
Listen to every call as Milwaukee Brewers secure first World Series title
The Milwaukee Brewers capture their first World Series title on October 29, 2026, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 4–1. Rookie ace Jacob Misiorowski throws six shutout innings, allowing just two hits before departing with a 4–0 lead. The Rays rally for a ninth‑inning run, but closer Trevor Megill secures the save. Iconic calls from Fox’s Joe Davis, ESPN Radio’s Jon “Boog” Sciambi, and local announcer Jeff Levering punctuate the historic victory, cementing the Brewers’ long‑awaited championship.
Britt McHenry explains her side of viral Wizards incident that led to resignation
Former ESPN reporter and ex‑Trump press aide Britt McHenry releases a video explaining the viral incident that cost her a State Department role. She says she and a friend were harassed by a group heckling Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma and his fiancée, model Winnie Harlow, at a Washington Wizards game on Oct. 22, 2026. After enduring vulgar insults, McHenry threw her beer when the crowd began pelting them with drinks and towels, prompting an usher to eject the main agitator. McHenry claims she was defending Harlow and herself, expressing regret for not leaving earlier. The episode, captured by TMZ, follows previous controversies that have shadowed her career.
Devin Cooley diagnoses Jameis Winston with ‘religious psychosis’ on ‘SportsCenter’
Calgary Flames goalie Devin Cooley’s quirky interviews are sparking a media frenzy. After a viral post‑game chat about his “conscious vs. unconscious brain” and his rabbit‑reading routine, ESPN’s SportsCenter featured him decoding quarterback Jamees Winston’s “light of the world” quote as “religious psychosis.” Cooley also broke down Red Sox pitcher Payton Tolle’s odd metaphor, emphasizing the athlete’s competitor mindset. The segment highlighted Cooley’s blunt philosophy that fame is fleeting and mistakes aren’t life‑or‑death, resonating with mental‑performance experts and fans alike.
Pat McAfee offers first comments on Utah controversy and criticism
Pat McAfee reacts to the backlash over a College GameDay segment at the University of Utah, where a student‑made video mocked him and he likened the experience to the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. The ESPN host faces widespread criticism for appearing out of touch, even as ESPN defends him and the university apologizes for the harmless clip. In a lengthy social‑media post, McAfee explains why the video unsettled him, mentions FBI‑suggested bullet‑proof protection after Kirk’s death, and recounts the heavy security presence surrounding his recent appearances. He also reflects on the personal threats he’s received and the polarizing media coverage.
Mike Breen, Tim Legler, and Richard Jefferson pay tribute to Ernie Johnson
Legendary NBA broadcaster Ernie Johnson announces his final season on TNT's Inside the NBA, confirming his retirement after nearly four decades. He shared the news on social media and on Wednesday’s episode, thanking his co‑hosts Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and the production crew. Tributes poured in, notably from Mike Breen, Tim Legler, and Richard Jefferson during ESPN’s 76ers‑Pacers game, where Breen called Johnson a true "GOAT, icon, and legend" and urged fans to shower him with love all season. The announcement raises questions about the future of the Inside the NBA lineup.
World Series Game 3 ratings hit low point after strong start to series
Game 3 of the Brewers‑Rays World Series plummets to an average 8.44 million viewers, making it the fourth‑least‑watched World Series game ever and possibly the lowest since Nielsen began tracking in 1968. The dip follows strong openings—Game 1 drew 12.26 million and Game 2 10.85 million—but was hurt by a 10‑1 blowout and direct competition from Monday Night Football, which pulled 18.73 million viewers. Analysts note the slump reflects scheduling and result rather than baseball’s overall health, and viewership is expected to rebound for Games 4 and 5, which faced no major sports competition.
Hannah Storm to miss NYC Marathon coverage while recovering from surgery, says she’s cancer-free
ESPN/ABC anchor Hannah Storm will miss on‑site coverage of the New York City Marathon on Oct. 27 as she continues recovering from a hysterectomy that left her cancer‑free. Storm announced on X that doctors advised extra rest, so she’ll cheer the marathon team from home. The surgery follows her 2024 DCIS breast cancer diagnosis and earlier advocacy work, including founding the Hannah Storm Foundation and receiving the 2025 Pat Summerall Award. Storm, who recently returned to WNBA coverage, promises a quick return to SportsCenter.
Charles Barkley delivers emotional Ernie Johnson tribute on ‘Inside the NBA’
On October 28, 2026 Charles Barkley breaks down in tears during an emotional tribute to Ernie Johnson on ESPN’s Inside the NBA, following Johnson’s announcement that his 37‑year hosting tenure ends after the 2026‑27 season. Barkley reflects on 26‑27 years with the show, thanks Johnson as a mentor, and shares heartfelt anecdotes, while Kenny Smith leads a standing ovation. The moment marks the final season for both NBA legends on the iconic broadcast.
Dick Vitale is ‘full speed ahead’ to call games this college basketball season
Dick Vitale, the iconic ESPN college basketball voice, says he’s “full speed ahead” for the upcoming season despite battling melanoma in his fifth cancer treatment. After a limited return last year—calling a First Four game with Charles Barkley—Vitale will kick off the season at the Dick Vitale Invitational on November 27, when North Carolina faces West Virginia in Charlotte. He vows to only take assignments he can complete with his trademark energy, and his ESPN contract runs through 2027‑28, marking 48 years with the network.
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