Awful Announcing
Total reads
211
This week
6
Rank
#220 of 464
Published
3,476 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
Mike Florio calls on NFL to move Paris game to London
Mike Florio urges the NFL to relocate the Saints‑Steelers matchup from Paris to London as protests over school conditions and rising prices flare across France. Despite a heavy police presence, boarded‑up shops, and the cancellation of NFL hospitality events, league officials confirm the game will proceed at Stade de France on Sunday, October 24. The U.S. State Department issues a security alert for American fans, and Paris Saint‑Germain has already postponed its own match. Florio’s call, echoed by former President Donald Trump, highlights safety concerns, though logistical hurdles make a last‑minute move unlikely.
Lamar Jackson shuts down Ian Rapoport reporting over his health
Quarterback Lamar Jackson, sidelined since Week 4 with a high ankle sprain, publicly rebukes NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport’s injury reports ahead of the Ravens’ upcoming game against the Falcons. After a sack against the Titans left Jackson in a walking boot, Rapoport suggested the injury could keep him out for weeks, then labeled it a low or mid‑ankle sprain. Jackson says he’ll rely on head trainer Adrian Dixon’s diagnosis—a high ankle sprain—rather than Rapoport’s speculation.
Troy Aikman realizes broadcasting career ‘could very well be taken away’
Troy Aikman, entering the final year of his ESPN contract, admits he may have taken his broadcasting role for granted as talks for an extension stall. While partner Joe Buck secured a six‑year, $100 million deal, Aikman faces uncertainty and is exploring other options, from promoting his Eight Beer brand to potential front‑office work with the Miami Dolphins. He remains optimistic about finishing the season, including a possible Super Bowl booth appearance, but acknowledges his future could lie beyond the booth. The article explores how Aikman's broadcasting future hangs in the balance as ESPN plans for the next Monday Night Football era.
Stephen A. Smith rips Donald Trump for using LeBron James as ‘politically expedient tool’
On October 24, 2026, Stephen A. Smith blasted former President Donald Trump for weaponizing LeBron James after Trump accused the NBA star of disrespecting the national anthem during a Philadelphia 76ers‑Knicks game. Smith argues the criticism is a “politically expedient tool” aimed at energizing Trump’s base ahead of the midterm elections, which are just ten days away. He points out that James has stood for the anthem throughout his 24‑year career and calls the attack an unjust use of a sports icon for political gain. The exchange highlights the ongoing clash between politics and the NBA.
College football viewing picks for October 24, 2026: How to watch Week 8
Awful Announcing’s October 24 guide outlines every college football game on Week 8 and where to stream them. Highlights include Alabama vs. Texas A&M on ABC/ESPN Unlimited, LSU at Auburn on ABC/SEC Network, and the marquee matchup of Virginia Tech at Clemson on ESPN/ESPN Unlimited. Early‑day games feature Indiana at Michigan (Fox/Fox One) and Texas Tech at Alabama (ABC/ESPN Unlimited), while numerous FCS and lower‑division contests stream on ESPN+, FloSports, and regional networks. The guide also lists pre‑game shows—College GameDay from Utah, SEC Nation from Auburn, Big Noon Kickoff from Michigan, and more—so fans can catch all live action and analysis.
TV and streaming viewing picks for October 24, 2026: How to watch WNBA Finals Game 4 and World Series Game 2
Awful Announcing’s Oct. 24, 2026 guide tells fans exactly where to catch the night’s biggest games: WNBA Finals Game 4 streams on ESPN+ and ABC, while World Series Game 2 airs on Fox and streams via Fox Sports Go. The schedule also lists Australian Rules AFL Women’s matchups on Fox Soccer Plus, Bundesliga slate on Peacock/Fandango, CFL week‑21 games on TSN, college hockey on ESPN+, Premier League action on USA Network/Peacock, and a full lineup of golf, figure skating, F1 and more, complete with start times and announcer line‑ups. Use this cheat sheet to plan your sports viewing across TV and streaming platforms.
Junior Caminero hit a ball so far in batting practice he took out Fox desk
Rays slugger Junior Caminero wowed fans during World Series Game 1 batting practice by blasting a ball over left‑center field and into the MLB on Fox studio desk, shattering a microphone. The power shot highlights his league‑leading home‑run pace since last season and raises hopes he can deliver similar fireworks in the championship series. The incident, captured on camera, underscores Caminero’s elite strength as Tampa Bay chases its first World Series title.
Nick Saban says BYU created an environment for ‘College GameDay’ like he’s never seen
Nick Saban praised BYU’s game‑day atmosphere after the Cougars hosted ESPN’s College GameDay for the first time since 2009 and upset No. 2 Notre Dame 28‑24. He called the crowd’s energy the most exciting he’s seen on the show, highlighting coach Kalani Sitake’s confidence and the team’s poise. The win vaulted BYU to No. 2 nationally and positions them as a likely College Football Playoff contender. Saban’s comments came on Pat McAfee’s broadcast, and the College GameDay crew will next travel to Salt Lake City for the Utah‑Houston matchup.
Lions’ Sam LaPorta tries to clarify contract comments: ‘I just don’t expect other people to understand’
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, fifth in the league for TE receiving yards and touchdowns, sparked controversy on Pardon My Take by venting frustration over a stalled contract extension. His comments, made as the Lions sit 3‑2 and dead‑last in the NFC North, prompted coach Dan Campbell to label the issue a distraction. LaPorta later met the press to apologize for any team impact, emphasizing his desire for family security and fairness, while blaming media spin. He says he doesn’t regret speaking out but doesn’t expect everyone to grasp his perspective, and still hopes for a resolution soon.
Dan Orlovsky shreds Steve Sarkisian, advises Arch Manning to transfer
Dan Orlovsky blasted Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian on First Take, calling the Longhorns' offense a “regressed” system that limits Arch Manning’s quarterback skills. Orlovsky noted the repetitive play‑calling and suggested either Sarkisian refuses to let Manning play his way or the quarterback isn’t smart enough to adapt. He warned that Manning’s future at Texas looks bleak and urged a transfer to a program that can develop him for the NFL, doubting a 2027 draft selection. The rant comes as Texas, after an early upset of Ohio State, spirals with losses to Tennessee, Oklahoma and Florida, and now faces Ole Miss with its playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
Kirk Herbstreit facing criticism for referring to Caleb Williams as ‘a bucking bronco’
During Thursday Night Football on October 23, 2026, Prime Video analyst Kirk Herbstreit likened Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to a “bucking bronco,” saying the young signal‑caller needed to be “trained” after a reckless first season. The comment sparked immediate backlash, with commentators like Jemele Hill and social‑media users calling the metaphor offensive, especially given racial sensitivities. Critics note this isn’t Herbstreit’s first controversial remark about Williams, recalling a 2024 interview where he questioned the rookie’s discipline. The article argues that analysts should critique performance without resorting to animal comparisons.
Dan Campbell got quite agitated over questions about Sam LaPorta’s contract
The Detroit Lions, sitting 3‑2 and last in a tough division, are facing off‑field tension as tight end Sam LaPorta, fifth in NFL tight‑end receiving yards and touchdowns, aired frustration over his stalled contract extension during a Pardon My Take interview. Coach Dan Campbell addressed the media on October 23, 2026, defending LaPorta’s character and performance but grew visibly agitated when pressed repeatedly about the deal, warning that the questioning was becoming a distraction. Campbell emphasized LaPorta’s readiness to play and his value to the team, while acknowledging the business side of contracts.
Trump administration reportedly forced Britt McHenry to resign after NBA game incident
Former Fox News and ESPN host Britt McHenry was ejected from the Washington Wizards’ season‑opener against the Milwaukee Bucks after a heated exchange in which she threw a drink back at a fan who had insulted her and tossed a burger. Security escorted her out of Capital One Arena, and the incident went viral. Page Six reports the fallout reached the White House: McHenry, who had just been promoted to a State Department press‑advisor role, was forced to resign less than 24 hours later.
3 reasons Troy Aikman and ESPN seem like they’re heading to a divorce
A looming split may end Troy Aikman's 15-year stint on ESPN's Monday Night Football booth. After reports of a heated clash with play‑by‑play partner Joe Buck, Aikman says he’ll become a free agent after the Super Bowl LXI broadcast in February, citing stalled contract talks. The veteran analyst, who earns $18 million annually, is pushing for a $30 million deal—a figure ESPN deems excessive given his once‑a‑week workload and the network’s broader payroll. Additionally, insiders describe Aikman as difficult to work with, fueling backstage tension. With younger talent like Greg Olsen poised to replace him, ESPN appears ready to let the iconic former Cowboys quarterback walk.
Roger Goodell identifies Tokyo as NFL’s next target for international game
Commissioner Roger Goodell tells NFL Daily that Tokyo is the league’s next international stop, following a historic slate that included games in Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London and an upcoming showdown in Paris between the Steelers and Saints. Goodell stresses the importance of coordinated media, sponsorship and TV rights to drive global reach, citing the 100,000‑fan crowd in Australia as proof the model works. The NFL’s nine‑game overseas schedule continues with matchups in Madrid (Nov. 8), Munich (Nov. 15) and Mexico City (Nov. 22), setting the stage for a potential Tokyo game in the near future.
The Ringer’s Kirk Goldsberry leading Texas athletics’ new AI initiative
Texas athletics launches Bevo Lab, an AI analytics platform led by The Ringer’s NBA analyst Kirk Goldsberry, who previously ran the San Antonio Spurs' analytics. Athletic director Chris Del Conte touts the initiative as "earth‑shattering," while Goldsberry acknowledges AI skepticism but predicts major advances in sports analytics and insists the tool will complement, not replace, human staff. Bevo Lab, using only UT data, helped head coach Steve Sarkisian decide on a fourth‑down play against Florida—a game Texas lost 27‑24. The rollout follows Washington State’s controversial AI partnership and includes a focus on ethical concerns.
Tiger Woods’ surprising TGL plans teased by Kevin Kisner
NBC analyst Kevin Kisner hints that Tiger Woods will soon resume a full schedule in the TGL simulator league he co‑founded, prompting Kisner’s own contract with the Jupiter Links team to be ended. After a brief TGL comeback last season and a recent DUI case, Woods has completed rehab and is reportedly prepping for the Hero World Challenge in early December, the Father/Son PNC Championship, and possibly the Masters. TGL’s new ESPN TV deal and the presence of stars like Woods and Rory McIlroy are boosting the league’s profile.
Donald Trump: NFL ‘could have probably postponed’ Paris game
Despite President Donald Trump's warning that the NFL should have postponed the International Series matchup, the league confirms the Saints‑vs‑Steelers game will proceed at Stade de France on Sunday. The decision comes amid violent student protests, widespread riots and a curfew in Paris, where over 1,500 shops were damaged and 2,400 arrests made last weekend. The Steelers have already canceled a fan event, and PSG's match was delayed, but the NFL says there is no safety concern. Trump said the situation in France is “trouble” and the league could have delayed the game.
Charles Barkley fails spectacularly on hilarious edition of ‘Who He Play For?’
In the opening week of the 2026-27 NBA season, Charles Barkley turns a comedic disaster into television gold on Inside the NBA’s “Who He Play For?” segment. After misidentifying Moe Wagner, Buddy Hield, Taurean Prince and others—going 0‑for‑5 on his first try—Barkley earns a rare redo, nails two answers, and keeps the studio in stitches. Shaq, Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith join the banter as Barkley jokes about missing games and even corrects the Pistons‑Celtics kickoff time. The crew crowns it the funniest edition yet, hinting it could be Barkley’s swan‑song on the show.
Caleb Williams pokes fun at Richard Sherman for Bears ranking: ‘I see it all’
After the Bears' 30-24 Thursday Night Football win over the Patriots, quarterback Caleb Williams jokingly ribbed former NFL star Richard Sherman about the Bears landing a Top‑5 spot on Sherman's podcast rankings. Williams, who recovered from a hamstring injury and dismissed injury rumors, praised the team's energy and said he’s “keeping an eye” on the buzz. Sherman swapped the Patriots for Chicago at No. 5 on his Top‑5 list, prompting a playful exchange on the TNF desk. The banter highlights the Bears’ rising confidence mid‑season.
Paul Finebaum recalls being with Tim Tebow after Pablo Torre’s Life Surge report
Paul Finebaum recounts a tense moment with Tim Tebow in Gainesville after Pablo Torre’s investigative report on the Life Surge Christian organization aired. Finebaum, who works with Tebow on the SEC Network and also knows Torre, says he simply offered Tebow support as the allegations—detailing Tebow’s $50‑$100 K speaking fees, low‑ticket events, and a controversial mentorship program charging up to $50 K—surfaced. Tebow, caught off guard, paused his ties with Life Surge while his team investigates. Finebaum emphasizes his trust in Tebow and notes he avoided confronting Torre directly. The episode, highlighted on the Awful Announcing podcast, sheds light on the fallout and the seriousness of the claims.
Kevin Willard calls Philadelphia Inquirer reporter ‘a bad writer’ in rant that confirms reporting on Villanova’s Big 5 exit
After a 93-71 exhibition loss to Virginia, Villanova coach Kevin Willard blasted Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jeff Neiburg as a “bad writer” while inadvertently confirming the reporter’s story that Villanova will leave the historic Big 5. The piece details the Big 5’s declining attendance, a failed 2023‑2026 format revamp that added Drexel, and Villanova’s push for a new schedule and Hall of Fame banquet that the other schools rejected. Willard claims the exit wasn’t Villanova’s decision and blames Temple and the other members for blocking a proposal that would have given the Wildcats a bye and home advantage based on NET rankings. The fallout caps a 70‑year city rivalry now set to continue without the Wildcats.
Sage Steele reportedly continuing relationship with Life Surge despite scam allegations
After Tim Tebow and Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla stepped back from Life Surge amid Pablo Torre’s fraud allegations, ESPN veteran Sage Steele remains a spokesperson for the Christian group. A new PTFO episode shows Steele speaking at a Charlotte event on Oct. 10, warning that “cancellation is real” after her own fallout with ESPN. Torre’s earlier report detailed Life Surge’s pricey courses—up to $50,000—and aggressive financing tactics that have drawn criticism as a scam. While Life Surge denies deceptive practices, Steele has not answered Torre’s inquiries, keeping her ties to the organization under scrutiny.
Matt Friend turns ‘Thursday Night Football’ political in ‘The Friend Zone’ debut
Comedian Matt Friend launches his new post‑game segment “The Friend Zone” during Thursday Night Football’s Bears‑Patriots matchup at Soldier Field. After Chicago’s 31‑24 win, Friend delivered a rapid‑fire mix of celebrity impressions—including Obama, Trump, and King Charles—and politically‑tinged jokes about the NFL, the Bears’ possible move to Indiana, and a range of sports figures. The segment, described as a late‑night‑style sketch, marks Friend’s debut on the TNF Nightcap and underscores the network’s shift away from the cancelled “Late Hits with Nikki Glaser” experiment.
Ron Darling non-committal on SNY future despite two years remaining on deal
Ron Darling remains vague about his SNY future despite having two contract years left. In a recent interview, the 66‑year‑old former Mets pitcher, who also calls games for TBS, says he evaluates his role year‑by‑year, even though the network offers long‑term deals. The conversation touches on the Mets’ trade of Freddy Peralta, his 5‑9 record with New York, and subsequent resurgence with Tampa Bay, where he earned AL Pitcher of the Month and ALCS MVP honors. Darling’s chemistry with Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez keeps SNY’s Mets booth ranked third in local broadcaster polls, but his candor about the team’s struggles continues to spark debate.
Displaying entries 26-50
of the latest 1,250