A recent tidbit in a lengthy Sports Business Journal article on sports media shed light on the highest paid announcers in sports.  Often, contract situations with announcers and other on-air personalities are kept tight-lipped.  Remember the pure shock last year at the announcement that Gus Johnson was leaving CBS?  None of the networks, nor the announcers comment on contract details, especially how much money is being dished out.  That's why it's such a big deal when details like this are mentioned publicly.  Naturally, the top earners at each network are of little surprise.  Al Michaels at NBC.  Jim Nantz at CBS.  Joe Buck at Fox.  But who is the top paid sports TV personality?  That answer may surprise you...

While no one could provide exact figures, multiple broadcast talent experts said that of the hundreds of people working in on-air sports jobs, there are a handful of on-air personalities who make the most money, and none is a former professional athlete. Four men stand above the crowd and are considered the highest-paid broadcasters in the U.S., these experts say: Bob Costas and Al Michaels at NBC, Joe Buck at Fox, and Jim Nantz at CBS. According to multiple sources, Costas, Michaels, Buck and Nantz each earns in the range of $5 million a year. Several sources said that of the four, Costas earns the most, as he works not only multiple major sporting events for NBC, but he also works for MLB Network.

I'm actually quite astonished Costas makes more than the triumvirate of Buck, Michaels, and Nantz.  What Costas does, he does amazingly well (except for those SNF halftime lectures), but he doesn't really do much.  He hosts SNF and Triple Crown coverage along with special events (like the acclaimed Jerry Sandusky interview), but his TV time is relatively small.  Honestly, when was the last time Bob Costas did play by play coverage of a major nationally televised sporting event?  The 2000 NBA Finals?  I assume Costas makes the majority of his money as the face of the Olympics, which is where most of NBC's money goes anyways. 

As far as Buck, Michaels, and Nantz go, these are the immovable fixtures enthroned at the top of each network and they ain't goin anywhere anytime soon.  These three announce most of the biggest events in sports - the Super Bowl, World Series, NCAA Tournament, Sunday Night Football, and The Masters to name a few.  But what about the next level of broadcasters?  SBJ also reveals who is in the second tier of the highest paid announcers...

I have to give Kris Humphries credit for accomplishing the impossible.  He replaced LeBron James as the most disliked player in the NBA.  Humphries has had to deal with getting booed every time he touches the ball when the New Jersey Nets play on the road.  Not because he predicted to win seven championships.  Not because he committed any crimes.  Not because he abandoned his hometown team or asked for a trade or had his jersey burning in any streets.  No, because he was married to Kim Kardashian for the approximate length of time Chip Kelly was head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  

But now, Kris Humphries has to move on with his life as a serviceable NBA big man.  However, he remains loathed by sports fans for a sham wedding to one of the lowest lifeforms on the planet, reality television stars.  I assume there's also a section of the population, however tiny, screaming "how could he do that to Kimmy!!!"  Nevertheless, Kris Humphries is evidently going to go down the long road of recovering his image by ditching his public relations team and focusing on his basketball career.  Here's details from The Hollywood Gossip...

The New Jersey Nets power forward/E! star has called it quits with Anderson Public Relations, TMZ confirms, following disagreements between the company and the Humphries over how to best promote the latter off the court.

Kris' relationship with Anderson lasted 73 days, so, hey, that's an improvement of 24 hours for the guy!

Sources say he now wants to focus solely on basketball, which ought to be welcome news for the woeful Nets.

The source of Humphries' divorce (too soon?) with his PR team is evidently this disaster of an interview with GMA co-host and ESPN alum Josh Elliott.  You can't blame him for trying to stay away from any sort of spotlight in that regard, although I'd love to be a fly on the wall on those discussions of improving Kris Humphries' public image.  I suppose he could fall in love with a Perkins waitress, although that's kind of been done before.

I hate to admit this, but after watching Kris Humphries "perform" on Kourtney & Kim Take New York (don't judge me!), he actually makes me feel sympathy for the Kardashians.  I shudder at typing those words.  Who knows, maybe it's clever E! editing trying to save face for Kim and Kris Humphries is a fine gentleman who can go on to a popular NBA career after this little speed bump in Hollywood.  Then again, maybe Kris Humphries is just an idiot...

(via The Hollywood Gossip)

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Much like the Geico Caveman commercials, the E-Trade baby is about 2 hours past his 15 minutes of fame.

During a sponsored segment on the NFL Today on CBS for pregame coverage of the AFC Championship game, the E-Trade baby was a guest. The baby has a conversation that reeks of a rushed script and forcible laughter in one of the most embarrassing segments ever seen on a pregame show. This is exactly what most of us want to see before the one of the highest rated Championship games in 30+ years.

The only thing that would have made this promo entertaining is if they would have shown Boomer’s face while the baby is making his “Hall of Fame-Sike!” joke. I'm sure the look on everyone else's faces during the segment was shock and awe.

If E-Trade plans on continuing to throw this baby in our face while we pretend its funny, they should at least come out and admit they saved their best material for the big game.

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I know Lee Evans wasn't much of a factor for the Ravens this year, but it's pretty baffling that Jim Nantz confused the veteran with rookie Torrey Smith during yesterday's AFC Championship game between the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots. Evans had what would have been a go-ahead touchdown catch knocked out of his hands in the game's final mintue, and Nantz immediately identified him as Smith. Smith was the go-to target for Joe Flacco for a good part of this season, but there are a few differences between him and Evans. First off, Evans is much lighter skinned than Smith. Secondly, Evans's hair is much shorter than Smith's, who has dreadlocks flowing from underneath his helmet. Thirdly, Smith is #82, while Evans is #83. But then again, considering the circumstances of the situation, I can understand the flub. It just seemd a little off from Nantz, who's usually right on the money.

As a Ravens fan, watching this clip multiple times to get the story typed up has made me ill. Excuse me while I weep into my Anquan Boldin jersey. It's also worth noting that this is the second straight year where a veteran receiver has cost the Ravens a playoff game with a drop. Last year, it was former Bengals standout TJ Houshmandzadeh who dropped a pass in the divisional round on fourth down against the Pittsburgh Steelers as Flacco was attempting to lead a game-tying drive. Note to Ozzie Newsome: don't go after a middling veteran wideout this offseason.

H/T Hot Clicks

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It's All-Star week for the NHL with the second year of the backyard captains pick format.  Daniel Alfredsson of the hometown Senators is one captain while Bruins captain Zdeno Chara will pick the other team.  All the All-Star weekend action happens on NBC Sports Network with the fantasy draft Thursday night at 8 pm ET and the skills competition and actual game to follow.  Whether people will actually tune in to an All-Star event that is gimmicky even compared to other All-Star Games remains to be seen.  At least you still have time to take sides in the battle between Team Alfredsson and Team Chara!

Monday January 23

St. Louis Blues @ Detroit Red Wings (NBCSN 7:30PM) Dave Strader, Pierre McGuire 

Tuesday January 24

Minnesota Wild @ Colorado Avalanche (NBCSN 9PM) John Forslund, Brian Engblom 

Wednesday January 25

Detroit Red Wings @ Montreal Canadians (NBCSN 7:30PM) Dave Strader, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire

Saturday January 28

NHL All-Star Skills Competition (NBCSN 7PM)

Sunday January 29

NHL All-Star Game @ Scotiabank Place in Kanata, Ontario

Team Alfreddson vs. Team Chara (NBCSN 4PM) Mike Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire

H/T Sammy!

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ESPN First Take has taken internet trolling mainstream. It's a couple hours each day devoted to manufactured arguements and everything Tim Tebow. With Tebow out of the playoffs, Skip decided for whatever reason to set his sights on Ball So Hard University alum, Terrell Suggs. Following the Ravens ousting the Texans from the playoffs the two had this enlightening conversation. If you don't want to sit through seven plus minutes of Skip (I don't blame you one bit), it's basically just him antagonizing one of the best defensive players in the league following a playoff win.

Cut to this morning. Skip had Suggs on following the tough defeat to the Patriots. As you can see from this video from Black Sports Online, this time it didn't go as swimmingly.

It's always nice when Skip Bayless and his stable of awful analysts (Rob Parker might the worst) gets knocked around on live television. It's unfortunate that the video cuts off right there because I always enjoy a flabbergasted Skip. Also, if he really is the master of trolling his response would have definitely been something like this one from Wet Hot American Summer.

I would be very happy if we could bring to you a weekly dose of Gol TV announcer Ray Hudson.  On matchdays, you can follow the MAGISTERIAL Live Ray Hudson Twitter account for the best of this cosmic commentator in 140 characters.  It seems Ray saves his most outrageous comments to describe the brilliance of the best player in the world, Lionel Messi.  Ray Hudson and partner Phil Schoen called Barcelona's 4-1 win over Malaga on Sunday and Messi scored a wondrous hat trick, much to Ray's delight and ours.  Pay special attention to the call on Messi's amazing third goal...

1-0 Messi

"If there's a footballer you would inject into yourself, it would be Lionel Messi, wouldn't it people?  Honestly?  Phenomenal.  Truly.  His radiant talent could light up the national grid.  He does it downstairs and we're all in amazement, he does it upstairs and he's nothing less than the immaculate conception.  Astonishing footballer of our time.  The most complete footballista that I have ever seen.  The wonderful Lionel Messi."

2-0 Sanchez

"Astonishing football again just unravels Pellegrini's team and those lovely big eyes of Manuel just are raised in the eyebrows... there's so much beautiful football going on... Willy Caballero is a one man battleship on the line pulling out all the stops but he cannot deny this one from Alexis.  It's easy pickings."

3-0 Messi

"AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!  They tell me that all men are equal in God's eyes.  This player makes you seriously think about those words.  Lionel Messi.  Why, man he doth bestride the world like a Colossus.  Starts it, finishes it, and makes it look elementary.  A gazelle running amongst cheetahs.  Astonishing!"

4-0 Messi

"Oh, beautiful... YYYAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!  Nothing less than the equivalent of a footballing bird of paradise is this man that defies the description man!  Genius of geniuses!  He's like Doctor Spock!  He's out of his Vulcan mind!  Absolutely out of this world!  Lionel!  Look at the tuck away, look at the pace, he fills this field up in warp speed Doctor Spock, in warp speed.  MAAAAAAGISTERIAL ARGENTINA!  MAGISTEEERIAL LEOOO!!  Running like he's got a food mixer down his shorts, and it set the beat."

And if that wasn't good enough, here's BONUS Ray Hudson.  Don't you dare call Barcelona a "machine" around Ray or else you'll get slapped upside the head.  The funny thing is, I think he's deadly serious... 

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As the US Senate campaign for former disgraced ESPN analyst Craig James goes nowhere, he may even have worse news to deal with thanks to his old friend Mike Leach.  The new Washington State head coach has retained the services of a new lawyer, Stephen D. Heninger.  And Heninger has come out with all guns blazing at Candidate James.  A press release from Leach's lawyer indicates that James made conflicting statements and lied under oath, thereby committing perjury.  The conflicting statements revolve around whether or not James used his power at ESPN to get Mike Leach fired... 

"On December 12, 2011, Craig James signed a sworn Petition concerned with two books that recount the firing of Texas Tech coach, Mike Leach, in December 2009 regarding events between Leach and James' son (Adam James) who was a football player on that team at the time. This latest sworn Petition states that James was not responsible for Leach's firing. These sworn statements are in stark conflict with the sworn testimony taken earlier by depositions of Craig James, Adam James and Texas Tech officials which state that Craig James was working for ESPN and had a powerful platform and the Texas Tech President and the Athletic Director wanted to give Leach a private reprimand and a fine but James wanted an apology and Leach fired."

It appears that James has signed a new sworn petition defending his role in "standing up to evil" and "kicking the skunks out of the bushes" in Lubbock.  I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, but this smells like perjury does it not?  This new sworn statement is related to Leach's original lawsuit against ESPN and Spaeth Communications.  That case has been stayed until the State Supreme Court rules on whether or not Leach has the right to also sue Texas Tech.  

With the case stalled and James very publicly making a run for United States Senate, what better time for Leach and his lawyer to make a full court press against James?  The conflicting testimony is as follows.  In December of this year, with Craig James in the middle of his hopeless Senate run, he made these statements under oath:

* "Leach ordered the punitive actions, not for medical reasons, but to discipline and punish Adam James for 'his attitude' while he was diagnosed with a concussion."

* "The authors create and foster a false impression in their books, and in public media surrounding the books, that Craig James was responsible for Leach's firing by the University."

* "... the allegation that Craig James interfered with Leach's contract, by threatening TTU and its officials with litigation if Texas Tech did not terminate Leach, is illogical on its face. . .It is ludicrous and factually untrue to state that Craig James was the cause of the firing."

And here's the previous sworn statements Leach's lawyer cites proving James is not being truthful with his most recent sworn testimony in comparison to the original depostition from Texas Tech admins and Adam James himself:

Here's your NBA announcing schedule, featuring a cameo appearane by the one and only Dick Stockton!  His combo with Reggie Miller may be worth the watch on its own.

Monday January 23

Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics (NBA TV 7:30PM) Local Broadcast 

Tuesday January 24

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Miami Heat (NBA TV 7:30PM) Ernie Johnson, Greg Anthony, Chris Webber

Memphis Grizzlies @ Portland Trail Blazers (NBA TV 10:30) Local Broadcast

Wednesday January 25

Indiana Pacers @ Chicago Bulls (NBA TV 8PM) Local Broadcast

Los Angeles Clippers @ Los Angeles Lakers (NBA TV 10PM) Local Broadcast

Thursday January 26

Boston Celtics @ Orlando Magic (TNT 8PM) Marv Albert, Mike Fratello

Memphis Grizzlies @ Los Angeles Clippers (TNT 10:30PM) Dick Stockton, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller

Friday January 27

New York Knicks @ Miami Heat (ESPN 8PM) Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Golden State Warriors (NBA TV 10:30) Local Broadcast 

Saturday January 28

Sacramento Kings @ Utah Jazz (NBA TV 9PM) Local Broadcast

Sunday January 29

Chicago Bulls @ Miami Heat (ABC 3:30PM) Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy

San Antonio Spurs @ Dallas Mavericks (ESPN 6:30PM) Dan Shulman, Doris Burke

H/T Sammy!

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Sunday morning, former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno passed away at 85 years old, just months after the abuse scandal at the university ended his coaching career.  Discerning Paterno's ultimate legacy and weighing his remarkable career with its unfortunate ending can wait for another day, right now the Paterno family and Penn State campus should be supported with thoughts and prayers.  

In the end, Paterno's passing was another sad chapter in what has been one of the saddest sports stories of all-time at Penn State.  It was hard to not see Paterno's passing coming soon as his life was Penn State football.  Many comparisons have been drawn to Bear Bryant, who died just a month after retiring.  Back in 2008, announcer Brent Musburger, an admitted close friend of Paterno, foreshadowed the events that transpired.  

But in yet another unfortunate series of events, Paterno's death was erroneously reported on Saturday night - first by PSU site Onward State, then by CBS Sports, and by other subsequent entities.  These reports of Paterno's death were then denied less than 15 minutes later by a Paterno family spokesman and the story took several dramatic turns.  Both Jay and Scott Paterno took to Twitter to tell the world that their father was still indeed alive.  CBS tried to retreat from their original post as quickly as possible.  The managing editor of Onward State apologized and resigned.  And people were furious, confused, upset, and amazed at how the death of Joe Paterno could be wrongly reported and spread across the world.  From the media perspective, it was a shocking development...