Rich Eisen gone from ESPN

[Celeval]

Do da link...

http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/06/03/television.espn.reut/index.html

Sounds like he wanted to expand some horizons. Good luck to him.

Kevin

[QuikSand]

From what I heard, it was about his unwillingnes to do the requisite 200 SPortsCenters a year on his new ESPN contract. He squealed about it, suggesting he was "too big" to be burdened by that, and was pretty sumarily told to hit the road. The CNN piece looks like a polished version of the story.

[cuervo72]

Originally posted by Celeval

Sounds like he wanted to expand some horizons. Good luck to him.


Maybe along that horizon he can find Keith Olbermann for us.

[cthomer5000]

Ha! He'll show them! Just like all the other big-time Sportscenter anchors who left ESPN! Wait... maybe not.

[Samdari]

Well, lets ease up un Rich a bit. While Olbermann notably flopped while leaving ESPN, others have been allowed to stay there doing other things, and not the 200 SportsCenters. How many does Dan Patrick do a year? 25? Kenny Mayne, Stu Scott, they do far less than 200 a year. Rich simply thought he was in their category.

And really, aren't many of us overestimating our importance to our companies by spending so much work time here?

[Cards4ever]

One interesting thing there, it sounds like ESPN is actually going to be doing some programming this fall instead of repeating SC over and over and over.

[cthomer5000]

Originally posted by Samdari Well, lets ease up un Rich a bit. While Olbermann notably flopped while leaving ESPN, others have been allowed to stay there doing other things, and not the 200 SportsCenters. How many does Dan Patrick do a year? 25? Kenny Mayne, Stu Scott, they do far less than 200 a year. Rich simply thought he was in their category.

That's really the key here. In my opinion he would be considered 3rd in terms of importance behind Stu Scott and Dan Patrick (take you pick on the order of those two). Apparently ESPN felt safe in letting their #3 go rather than cave in to what they must have felt were unrealistic demands.


EDIT: The other guys who left were either clearly the #1 guys at ESPN at the time. At worst they were part of the #1 Sportscenter duo at the time.

[GrantDawg]

Then there is Craig Kilborn. He isn't doing to bad. :)

I don't think Eisen is good enough to do something outside of sports, so he is rather limited on where he goes from here. Fox sports?

[cthomer5000]

Originally posted by Cards4ever
One interesting thing there, it sounds like ESPN is actually going to be doing some programming this fall instead of repeating SC over and over and over.

Is it just me, or does Pardon the Interrution seem to have turned everything around in terms of ESPN programming? After it's success it seems like they have been going nuts in cranking out new programming, for better or worse.

At least they got rid of that god-awful show with the ex-MTV guy.

[Philliesfan980]

"At least they got rid of that god-awful show with the ex-MTV guy."

Was that that show with Chris Connelly? If so that was a pretty bad show IMO.

The thing about patrick is he does a Radio Show from 1-4 every day, so its understandable why he doesn't do as many shows. I think anyone of us would give their left arm to do sportscenter.

[panerd]

I could be wrong here, but isn't Olbermann making a ton more at Fox news or whatever he is doing than he would at ESPN? Same goes for people who critisize David Curuso's big move. I doubt NYPD Blue would have paid as much as his crappy movies did during his run. Now if the arguement is artistic integrity then I agree. But if it is money, I am sure Eisen will make more somewhere else. I just can't see ESPN paying that well. (At least in Hollywood terms)

[cthomer5000]

Originally posted by Philliesfan980
"At least they got rid of that god-awful show with the ex-MTV guy."

Was that that show with Chris Connelly? If so that was a pretty bad show IMO.


yeah, his name escaped me for 5 solid minutes of thinking. That show was terrible.

Is two-minute drill still running? Or did they just decide not to bring that back? I really enjoyed that show.

[Philliesfan980]

Thats a really good question.. How much do you think ESPN guys get paid? The Big timers (stu, Patrick) and the middle guys (van pelt) and the new comers.

[cuervo72]

Originally posted by Philliesfan980
"At least they got rid of that god-awful show with the ex-MTV guy."

Was that that show with Chris Connelly? If so that was a pretty bad show IMO.

The thing about patrick is he does a Radio Show from 1-4 every day, so its understandable why he doesn't do as many shows. I think anyone of us would give their left arm to do sportscenter.

Yes, but Mike Greenberg does the morning show every day and he's pretty much a regular doing SC.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by Cards4ever
One interesting thing there, it sounds like ESPN is actually going to be doing some programming this fall instead of repeating SC over and over and over.

Too bad. I sorta like watching SC over and over and over. A guilty pleasure on weekday mornings with nothing to do. It was comforting to know that if I woke up at 6 am or 11 am, I could watch SC and not some crap-ass gymnastics, or cheerleading competition, or fishing show, or the semi-finals of the World's Strongest Man competition from 1987, or some other crap.

[panerd]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
Too bad. I sorta like watching SC over and over and over. A guilty pleasure on weekday mornings with nothing to do. It was comforting to know that if I woke up at 6 am or 11 am, I could watch SC and not some crap-ass gymnastics, or cheerleading competition, or fishing show, or the semi-finals of the World's Strongest Man competition from 1987, or some other crap.

Agree with this 100%. That used to be my hidden pleasure with Game Show network. I would watch all of the old time game shows and catch re-runs all day of Jeopardy, Family Fued, and Joker's Wild. Now they are so inudated with crap. (Cram, wintuition, lingo, a reality show on Chuck Woolery?!?) that I don't watch anymore. About the only original show that I used to watch was a cartoon show called Throut and Neck. It was awful, but the hostess used to dress real provocativly in cheerleading outfits, french maid outfits, and real short skirts. She was some serious eye candy. I think she is on Fox's under the helmet pre-game show now. But I don't want to listen to her try and talk football I want to look at her in her biker gear! :p

[Fritz]

Eisen is getting married very soon. perhaps he wanted more free time.

[rexallllsc]

Stuey Scott is a freaking tool...how can you guys give that guy any love?

[cuervo72]

Originally posted by panerd
Agree with this 100%. That used to be my hidden pleasure with Game Show network. I would watch all of the old time game shows and catch re-runs all day of Jeopardy, Family Fued, and Joker's Wild. Now they are so inudated with crap. (Cram, wintuition, lingo, a reality show on Chuck Woolery?!?) that I don't watch anymore. About the only original show that I used to watch was a cartoon show called Throut and Neck. It was awful, but the hostess used to dress real provocativly in cheerleading outfits, french maid outfits, and real short skirts. She was some serious eye candy. I think she is on Fox's under the helmet pre-game show now. But I don't want to listen to her try and talk football I want to look at her in her biker gear! :p

Good, I wasn't the only one watching game show reruns (the best ones I think are the black and white ones, like What's My Line, I've Got a Secret and To Tell The Truth, which are now buried at 3AM Sunday morning or something like that). I think they're really screwing up the network by putting these other "original" programs on.

Nowadays, I find myself watching ESPNews clips over and over....(usually waiting for the baseball box scores)

Hmm, the pay question is an interesting one. Would a top ESPN personality earn as much as a run of the mill MSNBC/FoxNews/CNN personality?

[MizzouRah]

I've read books about ESPN and they work the heck out of their people. Seems like they get a little big headed when it comes to certain people as well. I really wish FOX would get some personality to compete with ESPN. Right now it's like EA vs Sega, FOX does some good things like (for me) the Midwest sports report, Best Damn Sports Show., and a few other things, but they just can't seem to get enough viewers to compete with ESPN.

Put an ESPN sticker on it and it sells.


Todd

[Philliesfan980]

"Stuey Scott is a freaking tool...how can you guys give that guy any love?"

Agreed 100%. He's trying to be "boys" with all the athletes. Takes away all his objectivity.

[Wolfpack]

Not to mention as a Wolfpack fan and alum, his unabashedly noxious support of all things Carolina really detracts from his presentation. Leave the bias off-camera, please.

[Ksyrup]

I know what you mean. As an unabashed fan of "Daaaa," I wanted to kill Olbermann and his pro-"Guh" style.

[cthomer5000]

Originally posted by rexallllsc
Stuey Scott is a freaking tool...how can you guys give that guy any love?

I didn't see anyone write a single positive thing about him. All i stated was that he's undeniably (in the public opinion) the #1 or #2 guy at ESPN.

I can't stand him, but he is still one of their premier guys.

[cuervo72]

I'd say SS is at least #3 on the internal ESPN food chain, behind Chris Berman and Dan Patrick (Berman still jumps behind the SC desk once in a blue moon). Actually, I'd think Bob Ley probably has more pull than Scott as well, even if he's not as popular.

[Draft Dodger]

I actually didn't realize Eisen was still on the show. I like him alot - a much more subtle style than, say a Scott or a Mayne. But I don't watch much more SC anymore - too much like an hour long compilation of "clever" catchphrases.

[Rich1033]

Originally posted by Philliesfan980
"Stuey Scott is a freaking tool...how can you guys give that guy any love?"

Agreed 100%. He's trying to be "boys" with all the athletes. Takes away all his objectivity.

My problem with the guy is just that he has gotten so repetitive. Its not bad when he does the football shows, but on SC it turns into a trainwreck. He is so freakin loud and he spends most of his time quoting rap songs over and over. Why, does that show you are hip? Ughh... It was ok at first but now I have to resist changing the channel.

On a side not, I only get to watch the repeats starting at 5am, does Kenny Mayne ever do SC anymore? I loved his dry sarcastic humor, but I never see him on. Last thing I saw him do was the triple crown races.

[albionmoonlight]

http://www.thesportsrag.com/008_Stu_Scott.html

Stuart Scott Still Most Definitely Not White


Bristol, CT – Through the use of various catchphrases and physical gestures, ESPN on-air personality and "Sunday NFL Countdown" co-host, Stuart Scott, once again reaffirmed that he is, in fact, African-American, sources reported Sunday.

This marks the 8,214th time this year that Scott (right) has confirmed his non-whiteness.

"Boo-ya!" Scott yelled while replaying a clip of Browns quarterback Kelly Holcombe casually warming up on the sidelines. "Boo-YA! Holcombe be blowin’ stuff up! And I mean blowin’ stuff UP!"

This prompted Scott’s co-hosts, Ron Jaworski and Chris Mortensen, to grin nervously into the camera while slowly nodding their agreement.

Scott, a University of North Carolina graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in speech communications and radio, television, and motion pictures, then went on to describe Browns wide receiver Quincy Morgan: "Yo, this kid be 6’1" 209, and you know he runnin’ strong cuz he be eatin’ all his scrimps and erthing."

"’Scrimps’ indeed, Stu," said Jaworski. "’Scrimps’ indeed."

Experts watching the broadcast agree that this statement and countless others like it prove beyond all reasonable doubt that Stuart is and always has been, an African-American, and is in no way, shape, or form, a white broadcaster like many of his ESPN counterparts.

"Through his constant use of hyperbolic regional slang and ethnic inflections, Mr. Scott, despite his melanin-darkened skin color, still feels the need to make clear that he does not possess the same White-Anglo-Saxon bloodlines as, say, Dan Patrick or Alex Van Pelt," said Dr. Benjamin Raynes, PhD., chairman of the Language Arts Masters program at Columbia University.

"If you break down the last example–‘Yo…this kid…be 6’1" 209, and you know he runnin’ strong…cuz he be…eatin’ all his scrimps and…erthing’– you’ll notice that Mr. Scott starts with the word ‘Yo,’ a common phrase-opener in most African-American communities, as well as in some Caucasian and/or homoerotic boy-bands."

Raynes continued: "Mr. Scott then goes on to use action verbs–verbs ending in ‘-ing’–in a manner that exemplifies his most certainly not being white, i.e. removing the final "g" and inserting an apostrophe, thus making ‘running’ into ‘runnin'’ ‘eating’ into 'eatin,'’ and so forth. It’s quite telling as to his racial makeup, just in case people fail to notice his much-darker-than-white skin tone."

"Finally, he uses the down home vernacular ‘scrimps,’ indigenous to the Missisippi Gulf Coast of Louisiana, in lieu of ‘shrimp’ or even ‘shrimps,’ either of which would be accepted as a ‘white’ description of the edible crustacean, though ‘shrimps’ itself is even borderline gramatically incorrect."

Raynes added: "As for this ‘erthing’ word, however, it still remains a mystery. Is it an ebonicized version of ‘everything’? Is it a slang term for vegetables that come from the earth, i.e. ‘earth-things’? I've not a clue."

Even some African-Americans are confused by Scott’s over-the-top black behavior. "I heard him describe one of my dunks as ‘Strappin’ the ol’ yowza-pow milk truck to grampappy’s riverside wikka-wokka,’ said Sacramento Kings forward, Chris Webber. "Anybody even know what a ‘wikka-wokka’ is? Hey Stu, I like the enthusiasm, but try making some sense every now and then."

While Scott himself was unavailable for comment, an ESPN press release made it clear that he plans to remain overtly African-American, at least into the near future.

"Mr. Scott will continue to employ such phrases as ‘Call him bus driver cuz he be takin’ them kids to school,’ ‘It must be jelly because jam don’t shake like that’ and, of course, his beloved signature non-white catch-phrase, ‘Boo-ya!’ We want to make this perfectly clear: there’s no uncool, bland, boring, unmarketable caucasian genes anywhere near Stuart Scott’s strong, proud, expressive African-American bloodstream. And that’s just how the American viewer likes it."

Like Webber, however, others in the sports community are skeptical. Case in point, the following exchange between Scott and "Monday Night Football" broadcaster, John Madden, before MNF’s final game of the season between the San Francisco 49’ers and St. Louis Rams:

Scott: "Terrell Owens be workin’ harder than the Wu-Tang clan on steroids."
Madden: (Blank stare into camera)
Scott: "Yo, John, don’t hate the playa, baby, hate the game."
Madden: (Blank stare into camera) "Yes."

Madden was later heard asking MNF producers why Scott can’t talk more like that nice white baseball player, Tony Gwynn.

[MizzouRah]

I used to really like SS, he had a way with words (Booyea!) and really caught my attention during SC, but for some reason he's become stale and boring. Maybe he is a 'tool' like you say?!?


Todd

[CamEdwards]

saying "booyah" equates to having a way with words?

wow.

BTW, ESPN pays staffers for shit. There are a couple of guys that make serious money (Patrick and Berman, notably), but most everybody else would be considered underpaid, and what they pay the entry-level folks is ridiculous. Of course they can get away with it because "anyone of us would give our left arm to do Sportscenter". When demand is high, salaries remain low.

[cthomer5000]

Has anyone seen the saturday night live skit about sportscenter when Ray Romano hosted? I think that just about nailed the mindset of the anchors perfectly.

[MylesKnight]

WOW, I didn't realize this many people still watched SportsCenter, or ESPN in general for the matter.

ESPNews is the best thing that network has done for itself in years, letting people such as myself skip through the what it is now, 240 minute marathon that is the current version of SportsCenter.

I don't know, ever since Disney took over, and maybe it was even before then, ESPN has really sold out to the Mainstream/Corporate America mentality. If the network didn't still carry so much College Hoops and College Football it would be pretty much worthless in my opinion..

[Samdari]

Originally posted by cthomer5000
EDIT: The other guys who left were either clearly the #1 guys at ESPN at the time. At worst they were part of the #1 Sportscenter duo at the time.
Well, since Dan Patrick, Kenny Mayne, Linda Cohn and Stu Scott hardly ever do it, I think Eisen is largely thought of as the #1 SportsCenter guy.

[Samdari]

Dolaquote?

Originally posted by Samdari
Well, since Dan Patrick, Kenny Mayne, Linda Cohn and Stu Scott hardly ever do it, I think Eisen is largely thought of as the #1 SportsCenter guy.

Errr, WAS

EDIT can't spell dola

[Ksyrup]

SC has really changed over the past couple of years. Originally, it took sports hype to another level, but now it's just gone beyond that in an attempt to surpass itself, and has just created a largely unwatchable mess. I see a striking parallel with Pantera (for you metal fans out there). Actually, it might have been about the time Disney got involved, now that I think about it.

SC "jumped the shark" on the episode where they had that group do a live, in-studio version of "Who Let the Dogs Out." I bet Chris Berman's hair was rolling in its grave at that point.

Bob Lee is good, but unlike Eisen (and they are very similar), he was able to find a niche for his dry, PBS News-like delivery. That's the only reason he hasn't been canned by now. And it's also why they haven't let him anywhere near the SC set. He's no...Trey Wingo!

Stuart Scott...I don't like him. But I gotta give him props - mad props - for coming back from the eye injury. He still tries way too hard to be the "Anti-Gumbel."

[Anrhydeddu]

As far as serious money, I have heard/read that Berman easily pulls in $10,000,000+ a year at ESPN. Worth it to me since NFL Primetime is the only thing worth watching on TV, imo.

[Philliesfan980]

10,000,000 a year? Are you sure? Thats Katie Couric money (holds back from laughing)

Since we're on the ESPN topic, Baseball tonight is a pretty good show in my opinion. Bobby V makes things interesting, and Reynolds is underrated. Probably one of the shows on espn with the least BS in it.

[cuervo72]

Originally posted by Philliesfan980
10,000,000 a year? Are you sure? Thats Katie Couric money (holds back from laughing)

Since we're on the ESPN topic, Baseball tonight is a pretty good show in my opinion. Bobby V makes things interesting, and Reynolds is underrated. Probably one of the shows on espn with the least BS in it.

I agree, BBTN has always been one of my favorite shows (as long as Karl Ravich or Berman is hosting it, for some reason I don't like Brian Kenney on there as much). Has Jayson Stark been taken off of there though? Haven't seen him this year. He was horrible at first, but improved dramatically.

[Philliesfan980]

I'm partial to Jason Stark because he was a long time Philadelphia sports writer, but he's not the most "photogenic" guy in the world. He often comes up with alot of good bits and pieces in the baseball word, but are often in the printed form. Thats why I think he does most of his work on the writing side of espn: espn.com and espn the magazine.

[Cards4ever]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
Too bad. I sorta like watching SC over and over and over. A guilty pleasure on weekday mornings with nothing to do. It was comforting to know that if I woke up at 6 am or 11 am, I could watch SC and not some crap-ass gymnastics, or cheerleading competition, or fishing show, or the semi-finals of the World's Strongest Man competition from 1987, or some other crap.


Get ESPNEWS

[Anrhydeddu]

I think there may be an extra zero in there. Sorry. Berman made $1m five years ago but that's small change compared to his NBC/ABC counterparts (who are far less worthy, imo). Five years ago, Madden was making $8.5m per year at Fox. I think Berman did sign a new contract for multi-millions per year since then.

[cthomer5000]

Originally posted by Cards4ever
Get ESPNEWS

If i had it on my cable system, I probably wouldn't even care about sportscenter.

[MizzouRah]

Originally posted by CamEdwards
[B]saying "booyah" equates to having a way with words?




Ok, bad example. I liked his style of reporting sports, it was refreshing. (Booyea was one bad example of that). Kind of like Berman, but for some reason Scott has lost all his luster, imo.


Todd

[Hammer755]

Originally posted by cthomer5000
Has anyone seen the saturday night live skit about sportscenter when Ray Romano hosted? I think that just about nailed the mindset of the anchors perfectly.

http://snltranscripts.jt.org/98/pics/98osportscenter.jpg

Stuart Scott (Tim Meadows): Well, the Lakers and the Sonics, at the forum, two of the favorites in '99.. so, who's it going to be in Y2K? Well, Shaq weighed in with his opinion - Boo-yah! Boo-yah! Boo-yah! That's right! Shaq-Daddy with 37 points - he sends an invitation to the Finals party, and it says "B.Y.O.B.": "Bring Youe Own Boo-yah!" The Lakers destroy the Sonics, 114-82. Chet?

Chet Harper (Ray Romano): Thank you, Stuart! Latest talk is that David Robinson is over the hill. But in my book, you gotta get to Whitecastle before the weirdos show up! Tonight at the Alamodome, he gets Happy-Go-Jackie on the big white guy like a donkey eating a waffle! Sweet Sassy Molassey! Get out the checkbook and pay grandma for the rubdown as the Spurs beat the Heat, 86-79! Stuart!

The entirety of the skit can be found here:

Sweet Sassy Molassey!!! (http://snltranscripts.jt.org/98/98osportscenter.phtml)

[cthomer5000]

The "get out the checkbook and pay grandma for the rubdown!" line still cracks me up.

[cuervo72]

Originally posted by Philliesfan980
I'm partial to Jason Stark because he was a long time Philadelphia sports writer, but he's not the most "photogenic" guy in the world. He often comes up with alot of good bits and pieces in the baseball word, but are often in the printed form. Thats why I think he does most of his work on the writing side of espn: espn.com and espn the magazine.

So am I....for a long time I bought the Philly Inquirer every week (Tuesday I think) when they'd run the complete stats for each team along with the column(s) by Stark.

[Philliesfan980]

"So am I....for a long time I bought the Philly Inquirer every week (Tuesday I think) when they'd run the complete stats for each team along with the column(s) by Stark."

Yeah, those were definately the good old days, when you actually had to wait for the newspaper for stats like that.

[ISiddiqui]

The funniest part of Sportscenter is before Monday Night Football, where invariably Stuart Scott is asking John Madden about the game. John just gets glassy eyed and confused when Stuart is using his slang. It is so hilarious! Madden is probably thinking "What the Hell did I come to ABC for?".

As for Eisen, it might be a good move for him, but the other anchors who left were the #1 and more known than Eisen. People knew Kilborn and Olbermann much more than people know Eisen now.

[MylesKnight]

I've got an idea, instead of those back-to-back-to-back....... SportsCenter's that run from early morning until around noon-time each day, why not bring Aussie Rules Football back to the network?

There are a lot of AFL Fans out there, just take a poll of some of your confidants at work to see how many of them use to watch Aussie Rules in the middle of the night of ESPN years ago, and continue to watch at times on Fox Sports World, where it is found in America now.

[ISiddiqui]

Well first they should get some more European soccer :D.

[MylesKnight]

Originally posted by ISiddiqui

Well first they should get some more European soccer :D.


I think FSW already has that covered.. Wouldn't you agree? :)

[ice4277]

Originally posted by ISiddiqui
Well first they should get some more European soccer :D.

Actually, from what I have heard, European soccer fans may be very pissed off in the near future. Supposedly ESPN is pulling the Champion's League off of ESPN2 and putting it exclusively on ESPN Deportes when that channel goes full time. So, there will likely be no more Champion's League for most viewers around the country. Which gives them even more time to air Strongest Man and Women's 8-Ball championships. Idiots:mad:

[cuervo72]

Originally posted by ice4277
Actually, from what I have heard, European soccer fans may be very pissed off in the near future. Supposedly ESPN is pulling the Champion's League off of ESPN2 and putting it exclusively on ESPN Deportes when that channel goes full time. So, there will likely be no more Champion's League for most viewers around the country. Which gives them even more time to air Strongest Man and Women's 8-Ball championships. Idiots:mad:

I'd rather watch Jeannette Lee than soccer any day.

[ISiddiqui]

I think FSW already has that covered.. Wouldn't you agree?

I would if Comcast Cable didn't take it away from me :grrrr:

[Calis]

Originally posted by ISiddiqui
I would if Comcast Cable didn't take it away from me :grrrr:

Really? Man that sucks, I could never GET FSW until Comcast took over here. ;)

[ISiddiqui]

Yeah, I have to pay them an extra $10 for a package with it... screw that... I already pay them $65 a month!!

[lynchjm24]

Growing up in the shadow of ESPN:

1. A lot of guys used to play pick-up at the Y with us on weekdays in the summer. Mike Tirico was probably the biggest 'name' there.

2. First job out of college was with ESPN. I worked utility at silly things like the X-Games. My X-Games highlight was jumping over a hay bale when a street luger almost took my legs out.

3. I was dating a girl in about 1999 who was in management at ESPN International. She made out with Rich Eisen at the company Christmas party one year. I've always felt a special bond with him.

Off the air talent at ESPN is paid horrendously. Keep in mind the Bristol factor. If you spent enough time in this area and you weren't from here - you'd want to get the hell out as well. Guys like Olbermann like to get out so they can go live in NYC. IIRC Keith can't drive because of a depth perception problem - that makes Central Connecticut awfully tough to get around in.