Awful Announcing
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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.
SEC could’ve influenced CFP decision to not test open market, re-sign with ESPN
The College Football Playoff’s new 24‑team deal with ESPN raises only about $155 million total—roughly $2‑3 million per SEC school—despite a 12% bump over the current $1.3 billion yearly fee. Analysts suspect the SEC’s “look‑in” provision, allowing it to renegotiate its own ESPN rights around 2030, kept CFP leadership from opening the rights to bidders. Keeping ESPN happy protects the SEC’s future media payout, and other Power Five and Group 6 conferences share similar ESPN ties. While the modest revenue gain seems negligible, the move secures non‑monetary benefits like broader playoff access and more marquee matchups.
Analyst predicts Netflix will buy NBCUniversal post-spinoff
Wolfe Research analyst Peter Supino argues that Netflix could solve its slowing growth and engagement gaps by buying NBCUniversal after its upcoming spin‑off from Comcast. Supino says NBCUniversal’s massive live‑sports portfolio—second‑largest globally—and news assets would complement Netflix’s strong scripted‑entertainment library, giving the streamer a year‑round sports anchor. He cites the recent Netflix‑Fox One talks as a precursor and predicts a deal could happen soon, positioning Netflix as a full‑fledged sports destination and reshaping its strategy after the failed Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition.
Blake Griffin cleverly criticizes state of sports journalism in stellar ‘The Stepback’ premiere
Former NBA star Blake Griffin launches his new late‑night show, The Stepback, on Prime Video and YouTube, opening with a sharp critique of modern sports journalism. In the 30‑minute premiere, Griffin dissects the rise of click‑bait talking heads, the decline of beat reporters, and the unchecked influence of insiders like Shams Charania, while lampooning Stephen A. Smith’s controversial takes. Featuring clips of Skip Bayless, Tyrese Haliburton, and historic moments, Griffin positions the series as a sports‑focused counterpart to John Oliver, promising deeper analysis beyond headline‑driven hype.
Troy Aikman made his disdain of analytics known on ‘Monday Night Football’
During Monday Night Football’s October 20 game, Troy Aikman blasted analytics, saying it’s "a good way to lose your job as a head coach" while discussing a 49ers fourth‑and‑3 that the data recommended to go for. His comments sparked a flurry of Twitter reactions and highlighted his growing friction with ESPN, where his future is uncertain after contract talks stalled. Meanwhile, Joe Buck secured a long‑term deal, and reports suggest former NFL player Greg Olsen could replace Aikman next season.
Bears fan calls into The Score radio show from prison
A Chicago Bears fan named Derek called The Score’s daily show from a Wisconsin prison, demanding analysis of the Bears’ 31-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 19. The game saw Caleb Williams return from a hamstring injury, throwing for 305 yards and a touchdown as Chicago built a 31-7 lead before a late Falcons rally. Derek explained he’s incarcerated on marijuana and gun charges but still follows the team, prompting hosts David Haugh and Jarrett Payton to riff on his “locked‑in” fandom. The odd call highlights how sports connect fans—even behind bars.
TV and streaming viewing picks for October 21, 2026: How to watch WNBA Finals Game 3
Awful Announcing’s Oct. 21 guide lists every live sports broadcast, highlighting where to watch WNBA Finals Game 3. The game streams on ESPN+, ESPN2 and the NBA TV app starting at 8 p.m. ET, with alternate TV coverage on ESPN. The schedule also includes college basketball, football, golf, MLS, NBA opening week, NHL, UFC and more, each with its channel and streaming platform. Readers can quickly see the exact networks and streaming services for the WNBA finale and the day’s full sports lineup.
Mike Tirico narrates Knicks fans heckling LeBron James over controversial helicopter
During the Knicks’ season‑opening game against the 76ers on Oct. 21, 2026, NBC’s Mike Tirico called attention to heated fan heckling of LeBron James over his new helicopter commute. After a 106‑100 Philly win, courtside fans taunted James about “flying in from New York,” prompting him to shout a profanity‑filled retort that was captured on air. Tirico and Reggie Miller noted Spike Lee’s attempt to defuse the tension, while NBA commissioner Adam Silver defended the Fanatics‑sponsored helicopter deal. James capped his NBA‑record 24th season debut with a grin, brushing off the controversy.
Your 2026 Week 8 college football announcing schedule
Week 8 of the 2026 college football season promises marquee matchups and a packed announcing lineup. The highlight is No. 6 Indiana vs. No. 3 Michigan at the Big House, called by Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt on Fox’s Big Noon Saturday. Also featured are No. 18 LSU at No. 13 Auburn (Sean McDonough/Greg McElroy, ABC) and No. 7 Ole Miss vs. No. 19 Texas (Chris Fowler/Kirk Herbstreit, ABC). The night concludes with a Big 12 showdown between No. 14 Houston and No. 10 Utah on ESPN. The article lists every Week 8 game, network, and announcer from Oct. 20‑24, including early‑season contests on CBS Sports Network, ESPNU, and streaming platforms.
Colin Cowherd denounces Junior Caminero’s home run trot: ‘That was obnoxious’
Junior Caminero’s seventh‑inning solo homer off Guardians closer Cade Smith lifted the Tampa Bay Rays to a 5‑1 lead and helped them clinch a 7‑3 Game 6 victory, sending Tampa to the World Series. The 38‑second, chest‑pounding trot sparked criticism from broadcaster Colin Cowherd, who called the celebration “obnoxious” despite admitting he supports some flexing. Awful Announcing highlights the clash between modern, expressive celebrations and traditionalist views as the Rays celebrate their third franchise World Series appearance.
Polymarket’s athlete endorsers face scrutiny after market offered on Cornell 7
Polymarket stirred controversy by listing a market on whether any of seven Cornell students accused of rape will face felony charges, drawing $451,633 in volume before being pulled. The bet, offered only outside the U.S., prompted scrutiny of the platform’s high‑profile athlete ambassadors—including LeBron James, Derek Jeter, Eli Manning, Sue Bird, Reggie Bush and Richard Sherman. Critics highlight the platform’s history of ethically questionable markets, from Gaza population forecasts to wildfires, while Polymarket defends its purpose as providing data‑driven insight. The piece examines the growing ties between sports figures and the prediction‑market industry amid rising public backlash.
NFL considering maximum allowable number of international games next season, exec says
NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly announces the league is weighing a schedule of 10 international games for the 2027 season—the ceiling allowed by the current CBA. This would edge up from nine games slated this year and continues the rapid rise from five annual internationals (2022‑24) to seven in 2025. The push aims to build a full‑season overseas slate to package for broadcasters before the CBA expires in 2031, potentially alongside an 18‑game season. While expanding abroad, the NFL notes declining viewership for domestic pre‑game shows as European kickoffs pull audiences away from Fox and CBS.
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