Tag Archives: Sports media

Mike Francesa is the wrongdoer in Chris Carlin’s WFAN demise

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The second Mike Francesa stomped again onto the air at WFAN, the trio of Chris Carlin, Maggie Grey and Bart Scott had been on the clock.

In truth, there have been these excessive up at WFAN’s dad or mum firm, Entercom, who needed to let the trio go fully in Might 2017, in accordance with sources.

They survived then, nevertheless it was a matter of when, not if, one thing was going to occur.

Carlin, Grey and Scott all have contracts Entercom might escape from by the tip of the yr. The corporate had decisions. Carlin was chosen because the odd man out, as he introduced on social media Wednesday.

Grey and Scott are anticipated to stay with WFAN for the remainder of this yr and past, in accordance with sources. Nothing is official but.

Entercom executives have completely fallen for Francesa’s bully act. He tricked them together with his unsigned contract gambit and is extra in cost than ever, in accordance with sources. That’s a great job out of you, Mikey.

For the autumn, CMB will grow to be MB, preceded by Boomer and Gio within the morning, Joe & Evan in noon and Francesa within the afternoon.

After the brand new yr, the lineup can be based mostly on what Francesa decides. Per week in the past, when Francesa’s app formally failed — err, was bought by Entercom — The Submit reported Francesa was considering shifting most of his content material to Radio.com.

Mike Francesa
Mike FrancesaRobert Sabo

Two separate sources, nonetheless, warned that Francesa is simply nutty sufficient to vary his thoughts as a result of The Submit has reported the potential plan.

Entercom, in the meantime, is a struggling firm. The entire radio trade is aggravated by its efforts to decrease broadcasters’ salaries. Its inventory value is bottoming out.

It might’t even hook up with the web: All the firm has been with out electronic mail for the reason that weekend, as RadioInsight.com first reported.

So as soon as Entercom will get up and operating on-line, it might be able to finalize the long run lineup.

That won’t embrace Carlin, which actually isn’t his fault. If WFAN had not been overtaken by Francesa’s world, CMB probably would have been deemed a hit.

After struggling and shedding to ESPN New York’s “The Michael Kay Present” firstly of 2018, Francesa stole CMB’s afternoon mics as a result of, bear in mind, he needed to advertise his upcoming app.

With Francesa again, CMB moved to the 1-Three p.m. slot and fashioned a powerful bond that was evident in Carlin’s going-away be aware on Twitter, by which he particularly praised Grey and Scott. The trio had robust rankings, too.

Carlin has had a sample of success in his profession, from being the voice of Rutgers to SNY studio work to Philadelphia speak radio and now again on the FAN.

However he had a falling out with Francesa. When Chris Russo cut up with Francesa and went to SiriusXM, Francesa thought Carlin, their former producer, sided with Mad Canine.

Simply previous to Francesa’s return in 2018, Francesa and Russo had a giggle about WFAN’s rankings demise on Mad Canine’s MLB Community present, “Excessive Warmth.” Carlin despatched an specific — fellatio-related — textual content to the duo.

In the event you haven’t heard, Francesa generally is a vindictive type. It’s not identified if he helped push Carlin out, however not having Francesa on his facet couldn’t have helped.

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NFL Week 1 ratings up 5% over last year

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The NFL’s opening weekend to its 100th season delivered strong ratings for all games.

The league and Nielsen said Wednesday there was an average of 17.1 million viewers for games, which is a 5% increase over last year.

The New York Giants game against the Dallas Cowboys on Fox averaged 23.9 million, making it the network’s most-watched opener since 2016.

NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” — Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots — as well as the Sept. 5 kickoff game between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears each averaged 22.2 million. This is the first time both network games on opening weekend posted increases since 2015.

ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” doubleheader was the most watched in four years. The early game between the Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints was the most-watched program on cable Monday (13 million) while the Denver Broncos-Oakland Raiders game was second (10.6 million).

CBS’ games, mostly in the 1 p.m. EDT window, were down 4% from last season.

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More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP—NFL



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Dennis Rodman keeps finding new ways to surprise

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Dennis Rodman keeps finding new ways to surprise.

The 58-year-old former NBA star built his own personal brand of flamboyant individualism well before social media made every pro athlete accessible to fans, and outside the traditional endorsements-and-corporate partnership framework. At the peak of his fame in the 1990s, Rodman pulled the spotlight toward himself by swapping out hair colors, adding tattoos and piercings, dressing in drag, and dating Madonna.

“I branded Dennis Rodman being different,” he says. “I was just being free … because I was becoming so bored about life and about playing the game of basketball, I had to do something to spark my life.”

After winning two championships with the Detroit Pistons and three with the Chicago Bulls, Rodman flamed out of the NBA in 2000. He spent years pursuing lackluster side hustles — and partying — then found his way back in front of microphones and cameras by forming a relationship with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un.

Rodman’s spectacular personal highs and very public lows are the subject of the new ESPN “30 For 30” documentary “Dennis Rodman: For Better or Worse.” While making promotional rounds for the film, he wore a T-shirt depicting himself in a wedding dress at a 1996 book promo event.

Rodman spoke with The Associated Press about finding his niche as an entertainer, locker-room etiquette and President Donald Trump’s North Korea diplomacy.

AP: Sometimes being out of control led to the things that were best for you, and sometimes the worst for you. How do you think about that?

Rodman: I think the worst things that I was doing that people called bad — me drunk driving or me going to jail — was the best thing that happened to me. And all the good things that happened to me, I pretty much damaged those on my own because the way I was living and the way I was doing things in my life. But I think that title for the documentary is so appropriate: “For Better or for Worse.” Because when I was building this individual, Dennis Rodman, and I was building this brand — which I didn’t know was a brand back then — I did this all by myself. I don’t have anybody to help me, to make Dennis Rodman. Michael Jordan got Nike, Kobe got Nike. … One of the things I was proud of the most back then — I actually brought the gay community to the forefront for sports because of the things I was doing. I did a “Sports Illustrated” cover where I went in in a bathing suit and had makeup and stuff like that. And I was so flamboyant when I was doing it and stuff like that and people are like “Wow, we like this guy because he’s not afraid to go out the box.”

AP: Given what you did 20 years ago, are you surprised there still aren’t more out gay players in professional sports?

Rodman: I just think that percentage-wise in sports, I think there’s a lot. There’s probably more bisexual than gay in sports. I’m sorry guys, to expose everybody. I wish all of them would come out. It’s acceptable today. Just come out, man. Have a good time. Enjoy yourself.

AP: Did you see those conversations happening in the locker room? Were people having those talks?

Rodman: I don’t know any man on this planet — any man on this planet — that don’t go in the shower and look at another man. I don’t know any man that don’t do that. Gay or not gay, I don’t care who you are — a man is going to look at another man. I don’t give a damn how you look at it. He’s not gay though, but you got that pride and that image.

AP: (With North Korea), you weren’t intentional about necessarily going in order to make a name for yourself?

Rodman: It was a learning experience. It was a great experience. I mean a lot of people wish they can do what I did. I broke ground, I broke levels of leadership and stuff like that. And people don’t give me credit for it, which I don’t care. … I didn’t expect to be friends with this guy. Like I say, he hasn’t done anything to me, but to the world, he’s probably damaging to the world. But he respected me and I respected him in a friendship-type manner. … He was a very courteous, nice individual. Trump seems to want to do his political thing. You know like, ‘I’m saving the world for all of us.’ I said, Donald, don’t forget, I met him first. (Laughs.) I hope everything works out between North Korea and America. And it should in the future — unless someone mess it up. And it ain’t going to be me.

AP: Are you worried that Donald Trump is going to mess it up?

Rodman: It should work out. Let things pan out. I’m not going to mess it up, but I hope someone would just make sure that everything is cool. That’s it. Enough said.

AP: Do you consider yourself a Donald Trump supporter now?

Rodman: Nah. I like Donald no matter what. I mean Donald as president, I don’t care if he’s president or not, I just like him as a friend. That’s it. Now as president, I don’t know what he’s doing. As a friend, I just go shake his hand, we break bread. That’s it. I don’t hate nobody. I don’t care what you do, whatever. If you’re friendly to me, you’re nice to me, I’m good.

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Follow AP Entertainment Writer Ryan Pearson on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ryanwrd



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Former Colts punter Pat McAfee adds talk show to portfolio

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It may be hard to avoid Pat McAfee. The former Indianapolis Colts punter is one of the hottest media commodities.

McAfee’s talk show debuted Monday morning on DAZN (DA’-zone) in the U.S. and Canada as well as Westwood One radio in 40 cities. He also calls Thursday night college games on ESPN and makes weekly in-season appearances on “Get Up!”

As part of the deal with DAZN and Westwood One, McAfee’s podcast will expand from two to three times per week. He also will continue to do commentary for World Wrestling Entertainment.

It is a pretty impressive portfolio for someone who describes himself as “an anonymous guy who kicked the ball on fourth down.”

“I’m definitely going to be busy, but I am going to enjoy it,” McAfee said before Monday’s show. “There is a lot of coordination and planning involved, but it is a dream come true for me and my friends.”

It also marks DAZN’s first talk show as executive vice president Jamie Horowitz expands the network’s portfolio beyond boxing and MMA. The show will air weekdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. EDT.

“This is a great moment for DAZN because we are adding more than a talent. We are adding someone who is a brand,” Horowitz said. “We are effectively partnering with the small business that is Pat McAfee.”

McAfee has been on a steady rise since he retired from the NFL after the 2016 season. He worked for Barstool Sports for close to two years before leaving over a disagreement about profit sharing.

McAfee said DAZN allows him to expand beyond . He will contribute to DAZN’s nightly MLB “ChangeUp” show while being part of the boxing and MMA coverage.

McAfee’s show will be based out of Indianapolis most of the week. He will broadcast from the site of his ESPN game on Thursday and in New York on mornings when he appears on “Get Up!”

“I’m going to try to keep the show upbeat and provide a bit of a mental vacation for those who tune in,” McAfee said. “I’m going to enjoy it.”

Monday’s show featured analysis of Sunday’s NFL games as well as an interview with WWE executive vice president Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

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NFL at 100: How school soccer turned the pipeline to NFL

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Jay Berwanger received the inaugural Heisman Trophy in 1935 for the College of Chicago and have become the No. 1 participant taken within the first NFL draft just a few months later.

He selected to work at a rubber firm and be a part-time coach for his alma mater moderately than attempt to make a residing taking part in .

Greater than 5 a long time later, Oklahoma State Heisman Trophy winner Barry Sanders threatened to sue the NFL if it didn’t permit him to be drafted whereas he nonetheless had school eligibility.

Within the early days of the NFL, school was king and taking part in professionally was not one thing most gamers aspired to do. By planting its flag in giant cities, embracing tv publicity and taking part in a extra entertaining fashion, the NFL surged in reputation in the midst of the 20th century and turned school into a way to an finish for a lot of gamers.

Now school groups brag about sending gamers to the league, even whereas NCAA officers and school sports activities leaders attempt to downplay what has turn into apparent.

“I positively assume school is type of the minor leagues in a means. Like a breeding floor for the NFL,” stated Eric Winston, who performed 10 years within the NFL as an offensive lineman and is at present the president of the gamers’ affiliation.

Faculty soccer was already entrenched in American tradition when the NFL was established in 1920 with most of its groups in small Midwestern cities.

“Baseball was the nationwide pastime, however school soccer was the best sporting spectacle,” stated Mike Oriard, a Notre Dame graduate and former NFL participant who has written a number of books on the historical past of soccer.

Video games matching Notre Dame and Military packed Yankee Stadium in New York within the 1920s and ’30s, even through the Nice Despair. The Rose Bowl recreation was a yearly occasion on the West Coast on New 12 months’s Day. Faculty soccer was seen as a worthy and noble enterprise: amateurs taking part in for college satisfaction. The NFL was an abomination so far as the school soccer world was involved,” Oriard stated.

When College of Illinois star Crimson Grange joined the NFL in 1925, a deal scandalously deliberate whereas he was nonetheless taking part in in school, he drew scorn from these in school soccer. Not solely was skilled soccer thought-about barbarian, it was considered a lesser model of the game. Certainly, the NFL champion performed a yearly exhibition recreation in August in opposition to a group of school all-stars in Chicago, beginning in 1934. The school gamers received six of the primary 17 video games and there have been two ties.

Grange turned certainly one of America’s most well-known sports activities stars, however he was extra a phenomena than a pattern setter.

“Skilled soccer was on the market as an possibility for former school gamers who did not have something higher to do,” Oriard stated. “It was the Despair and if you happen to did not get a job proper out of school you may play professional soccer for a few years.”

After the league reorganized within the early 1930s and moved groups to huge cities, it established a school draft. Berwanger was the primary participant chosen, taken by the Philadelphia Eagles. His rights had been later traded to the Chicago Bears. However the group by no means may meet his wage calls for.

Davey O’Brien received the Heisman Trophy in 1938 and was the primary winner to play within the NFL. He lasted two years earlier than becoming a member of the FBI. That was typical all through the 1940s and into the ’50s. Dick Kazmaier, a working again for Princeton, received the Heisman in 1951 and was drafted the by the Bears. He determined to go to Harvard enterprise faculty.

Regardless of all that, the NFL was gaining traction amongst working-class followers in locations equivalent to New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and Cleveland that did not instantly compete with school soccer. Salaries had been rising and a profession in soccer was changing into extra interesting. Faculty soccer considered the NFL because the opposition and tried to maintain it at a distance.

“Initially, after I got here into the league within the late ’50s and particularly with the Cowboys within the ’60s there have been a number of faculties that did every little thing however ban you from their campus,” stated Gil Brandt, the longtime Cowboys govt inducted into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame final weekend.

Faculty groups feared dropping gamers with eligibility remaining to the NFL, Brandt stated. He credit NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle and Cowboys proprietor Tex Schramm with assuring faculties the NFL wouldn’t take gamers into the league till their school careers had been over.

Within the 1960s, the emergence of the AFL introduced competitors for gamers and escalated salaries. Whereas the school recreation was nonetheless principally run-based, skilled soccer groups had been pushing the passing recreation. Joe Namath threw virtually as many passes (340) in his first season with the New York Jets of the AFL than he did in his 30-game profession (374) at Alabama.

“Finally the NFL turned a lot extra enjoyable to look at,” Brandt stated.

Whereas the NCAA had guidelines in place that restricted how usually the highest groups may seem on TV, fearing it could be a recruiting benefit and draw followers away from attending video games, the NFL needed as a lot tv publicity as potential.

By the mid-1960s, prime school soccer gamers had been assumed to be heading to the NFL. It was clearly a step up in competitors. The final time a school all-star group beat an NFL champion was 1963, a loss Inexperienced Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi held over his gamers for years. The sport was discontinued in 1976.

Within the 1970s and ’80s, NFL methods turned extra pervasive in school soccer, most notably within the elevated reliance on the cross. As the 2 variations of the game turned extra related, school gamers had been getting into the NFL higher ready to play skilled soccer.

Essentially the most vital growth within the college-to-NFL pipeline within the 1980s got here in 1989, when Sanders determined to leap from Oklahoma State to the NFL after a record-setting junior season in 1988.

The NFL stated it was making an exception for Sanders, who was drafted No. three general by the Detroit Lions and went on to a Corridor of Fame profession, however in actuality it completely opened the door to underclassmen. As NFL salaries soared, getting via school rapidly turned extra fascinating.

This yr a document 135 gamers gave up school eligibility to enter the NFL draft as soon as they had been three years faraway from highschool commencement.

In the meantime, as school sports activities come beneath assault by critics who consider gamers ought to get a bigger minimize of the billions of {dollars} generated by soccer, directors want to see extra various paths to the NFL.

“Perhaps in soccer and basketball, it could work higher if extra youngsters had an opportunity to go instantly into the skilled ranks. If they are not snug and wish to monetize, let the minor leagues flourish,” Large Ten Commissioner Jim Delany stated in 2013. “I believe we should work terrible laborious with the NFL and the NBA to create a possibility for these of us.”

Six years later, in soccer, nothing has modified.

Large-time applications — not simply the likes of Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State — wish to be seen as a quick monitor to an NFL payday. They proudly show to recruits the names of former gamers who’ve moved on to the NFL on the partitions of soccer amenities, within the pages of media guides and on social media.

Mike Lombardi, a former NFL govt who has labored for Al Davis, Invoice Walsh and Invoice Belichick, stated the message from school coaches is: “You come right here, you recognize we’ll develop you into a professional participant. It sells that program.”

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Observe Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and pay attention at https://podcastone.com/AP-Prime-25-Faculty-Soccer-Podcast

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Extra AP school soccer: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP—Prime25

Extra AP NFL: https://apnews.com/tag/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP—NFL



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