Best and Worst of ESPN

[oakfan162]

I know many people on these forums (myself included) feel that ESPN tries a little too hard to cater to the non-sports fan. They do this by including gimicks, graphics, gameshows, and talking heads, that are not related to sports highlights. I also know that many people (myself included) continue to watch ESPN religiously anyways.

Anyways my question is this:
Who is the best on air personality on ESPN?
and Who is the worst?


For me, the best has got to be Peter Gammons, his competence became painfully evident this past season at the trading deadline when, while Peter was sidelined in the hospital, Buster Olney stepped in as ESPN's main insider. I think that it could be possible that some GM's used Buster as an outlet to spread rumors and that could have had a small part to play in why it was a rather lame trading deadline.

The worst, hands down, is Steven A. Smith. At least most guys at ESPN can pass as analysts because maybe they played or have connections inside the sports world. SAS on the other hand, works on the premise that if your are loud and opinionated, it doesn't matter that you make the same point six times in a row.

Im just wondering what other OSers think about ESPN personalities.

[MachoMyers]

Re: Best and Worst of ESPN

I with you on Stephen A Smith, I just don't know what is going on there and I NEVER watch his show.

I've always enjoyed Chris Mortenson and Steve Phillips, I could listen to those guys all day unlike a ton of ESPN guys. Good insider guys, and of course Gammons has always been great.

I've always likes Mike Patrick's commentary, he's been a great C Hoops announcer so I'm glad to hear him doing college football now. I like Herbstreit and Fowler, Corso is just there I guess. Something about Lou Holtz really keeps me watching, maybe its cause I think he is eventually going to destroy Mark May.

Finally, I love Jim Rome, most people don't but I've been a fan since before he called Jim Everett "Chris", then he became my favorite.

[oakfan162]

Re: Best and Worst of ESPN

I like Jim Rome on the radio, I find that on TV his pausing style isnt as dramatic and emphatic as it is on TV. I think he just comes across as more composed and informed on the radio. IMO.

[sva91]

Re: Best and Worst of ESPN

Stephen A. Smith, Stuart Scott and Merryl Hodge are all really annoying. I used to think Woody Paige was hilarious, now I think he needs to grow up. I really like Jeremy Schaap, I think he is the best pure reporter. The sportscenter hosts are all really good,Van Pelt especially.

[dagger55]

Re: Best and Worst of ESPN

i just dont understand how anyone can be as bad as Lou Holtz. The guy cant even speak english, and is a bigger homer than anyone on this website.

[Dame]

Re: Best and Worst of ESPN

i hate skip bayless the most i dont really like jim rome but he's tolerable

[Psyblast]

Re: Best and Worst of ESPN

Best:

Scott Van Pelt
Kenny Mayne (I haven't seen him much lately)
Tony Reali (does he count? lol)

Worst:

Stuart Scott
Chris Berman
Lou Holtz/Mark May

[DueceDiggla]

Re: Best and Worst of ESPN

Stephen A. and Stuart Scott are far and away the worst on ESPN. I'm also totally sick of Chris Berman. Though I haven't seen him at all this year, Sean Salisbury was also terrible. Kenny Mayne's skits have gone from kind of funny, to sad.

I like John Clayton just for the simple fact that he alwasy has something to listen for, whether its a rumor or to give us some behind the scenes info on a team. I'm also a fan of Tom Jackson.

[OSUG1]

Re: Best and Worst of ESPN

Best:
John Anderson (always gets a bit in about OSU or Stillwater)
Scott Van Pelt
Tony K

Worst:
Lou Holtz
Stuart Scott

[SPTO]

Re: Best and Worst of ESPN

Best

John Clayton
Peter Gammons (even tho half the time his rumors are wrong)
Chris Berman (only his studio work)
The guy that does OTL I think his name is Bob Ley?


Worst

Kenny Mayne (his stupid segment on NFL gameday sucks the big one)
Stephen A. Smith
Stuart Scott (booyah my arse!)

[LetsGoBucs]

Re: Best and Worst of ESPN

Best
Baseball: Peter Gammons, Buster Olney, Tim Kurkjian
Football: Mort, Tom Jackson
Basketball: Ric Bucher
SportsCenter: Scott Van Pelt
Broadcasting: Mike Patrick
Other: TK/Wilbon

Worst
Screamin' A Smith
Stu Scott
Woody Paige/Skip Bayless
Michael Irvin
Theisman

[X*Cell]

Re: Best and Worst of ESPN

The best WAS Harold Reynolds... I liked when he keyed in on baseball discussions... I miss him.

[pk500]

Re: Best and Worst of ESPN

Best: Jon Buccigross, Barry Melrose, Dr. Jerry Punch, Tom Jackson, Kenny Mayne, John Clayton

Worst: Stephen A. Smith, Stuart Scott, Linda Cohn, the entire "Cold Pizza" cast, Woody Paige, Skip Bayless, Joe Theismann, Michael Irvin

Take care,
PK

[MassNole]

Re: Best and Worst of ESPN

I like Jim Rome on the radio, I find that on TV his pausing style isnt as dramatic and emphatic as it is on TV. I think he just comes across as more composed and informed on the radio. IMO.

He was much better on FSN than ESPN.

[Sandman42]

Re: Best and Worst of ESPN

Best: Kenny Mayne, Peter Gammons, John Clayton, Chris Mortenson, Scott Van Pelt, Tim Kurkjian, Brad Nessler, Kirk Herbstreet

Worst: Stephen A. Smith, Stuart Scott, Michael Irvin, Joe Theismann, Woody Paige, Skip Bayless, Lou Holtz, Mark May