It is my goal as a writer to avoid writing the words "Colin Cowherd" or "The Herd" in a legitimate blog article.  However, Colin Cowherd apparently produced some worthwhile radio today... thanks to the wife of current Browns and former University of Texas QB Colt McCoy.  Seriously.  She called into the show and might have dropped quite the story on Austin, Texas.  The Big Lead has the transcript of the most interesting aspects, but here's one excerpt...

You cannot expect 19-20 year old kids to say no to free stuff when they’re in college … It’s hard, I think, for a lot of these guys to even know to say, ‘I can take this, I can’t take this, nobody’s going to know, will someone find out?' Things that could be handed to you that seem so minor – a dinner, a hunt, a fishing trip – most kids don’t even realize are illegal.

I know Colt was approached quite a bit [by agents] but I saw so many of his teammates who didn’t have some of that self control to say no to somebody … it’s hard, because you have adults who you respect and who you think will know what’s right and wrong … when you have adults promising things and offering things …

Now, will this cause a full-blown investigation of the University of Texas along the lines of say... what we've seen in Columbus?  Of course not!  At least, not now.  Perhaps this story will be forgotten by Mack Brown's next loss to Iowa State.  Yet, in light of the scandal that's broken out at Ohio State, some questions need to be raised about what she had to say...

In a bit of a surprise, the Olympics are staying with NBC through 2020, covering the next four Olympics.  The Peacock was able to beat out bids from competitors FOX and ESPN, both of whom at some point looked sure to beat out NBC after they lost Dick Ebersol.  Ebersol was perhaps the one network executive most connected to the Olympics on US television, and his resignation last month looked like the death knell for NBC's Olympic coverage.  

Even yesterday, FOX seemed like it had become the new favorite.  Say what you will about any of the three networks, but the Olympics would just feel out of place on a network other than NBC. Hopefully the network will heed some of the criticisms they've faced in recent years to make their telecasts even better.

[USA Today]

As you may have already heard, Shaq has retired from basketball.  Yes, we can debate Shaq's legacy on the basketball court for the next several years as an all-time great, but the more immediate question is what lies ahead of Shaq in his post-basketball career.  And, while The Big AARP has worn many hats already in life (actor, genie, sheriff, statue, etc.), a move into the sports media seems like a natural progression for one of the most entertaining athletes of our generation.

Not surprisingly, ESPN has already shown interest  in bringing Shaq into their legion of on-air personalities.  And, with the loss of Kevin McHale to the Houston Rockets as head coach, TNT may very well be a player as well to add Shaq to Inside the NBA.  Charles Barkley basically confirmed as much on the Dan Patrick Show.

“Of course it is. Shaquille O’Neal is a great person, he’s very smart, and I’m joking but I’m serious, somebody is gonna be fired whether it’s at TNT or ESPN. He’s gonna get a TV job if he wants it. Somebody is getting their final walking papers as we speak because he’s going to have his choice of where he wants to go.”

“Yes. He’s got an open invitation. He’s in a unique situation. He can do whatever he wants to do. Remember he’s done all this other TV stuff, he doesn’t have to do basketball commentating. He’s got a lot of things covered and he’s in a totally different situation too.”

Shaq may not be personally responsible for someone's pink slip, but Barkley certainly has a point. Both of the NBA's TV partners would be foolish to not push someone else aside to give Shaq a broad presence for NBA coverage and beyond.  So which network would be the better fit?  The combination of Shaq along with Sir Charles, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson would take one of the best sports shows on TV (Inside the NBA) and only make it better.  But would the outsized personalities of Shaq and Barkley on the same set be redundant?  What about opportunities outside of NBA coverage, which would be very limited with Turner?

For several reasons, ESPN is a far better fit for Shaq's second career in the sports media.  First, Shaq would be an immediate upgrade over ESPN's current main studio analysts: Jon Barry, Michael Wilbon, and Magic Johnson, the classic example of a legendary athlete becoming a mediocre on-air personality.  For every one insightful comment from Magic, there are dozens of others that elicit a shrug of the shoulders, especially when he waxes poetic about the Lakers.  Trading Magic for the Shaqtus would take ESPN's NBA studio coverage to another level, or in other words, actually make it entertaining.  As we've pointed out previously, the introduction of Shaq would definitely give ESPN's studio crew a much needed shot of charisma, a department in which they are sorely lacking.

But even more appealing has to be the wide range of opportunities Shaq would have at ESPN outside of being confined to a studio show.  What about a reality show that follows Shaq around on his series of escapades?  ABC's already had some success with the Shaq VS show...even if he may have "borrowed" the idea from Steve Nash.  How about an even more out-of-the box idea for Shaq: his own national talk show on ESPN Radio?  Let's face it, ESPN's Radio hosts are pretty weak.  Mike and Mike serve their purpose in the mornings, but Colin Cowherd is unbearable, Doug Gottleib is not far behind, and I've never thought to myself, "Boy, I just have to hear Scott Van Pelt's opinion".  

Why not give Shaq the afternoon show on ESPN Radio, which has suffered mightily since Dan Patrick's departure.  Put Shaq with a competent sidekick who can feed Shaq the important topics for debate, discussion and enjoy!  And it's not like Shaq would just be there for laughs.  In fact, a couple of years ago AA had a great story about Shaq taking part in a broadcasting boot camp, including a radio interview with then draft prospect Stephen Curry that was actually a great listen. Unfortunately, looks like you'll have to take my word for it since the video has disappeared.  

Studio analyst, reality star, radio host, it doesn't really matter what Shaq has his heart set on because he will be given any opportunity he wishes to begin his media career.  No matter what Shaq decides, ESPN might be the best option.  The family of networks would give him the versatility to spread his wings to pursue whatever new media he wants, which could be a combination of a myriad of roles.  Regardless, we're all likely to tune in for the fun.

[Sports Radio Interviews]

[SportsGrid]

A week ago, we relayed that current NBA Finals ESPN analyst Mark Jackson was the leading candidate to be the next head coach of the Golden State Warriors. Welp, momma, there goes that man -- he will be the head coach of the Warriors next season, according to Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski, et al.: 

Jackson's deal will be for three years guaranteed, coming in at a little over $2 million per. I'd be shocked if Jackson doesn't finish out the Finals with Breen and Van Gundy, although I guess it's possible he could bail, if ESPN/ABC allows him to (Doug Collins finished out his duties with TNT after he accepted the Sixers gig in the middle of last year's playoffs).

The next relevant question is inquiring about who will replace Jackson on the Breen team. I won't go as far as Matt and call Breen/Van Gundy/Jackson the best in sports, but they somehow work well together, thanks mostly to Breen. Jackson never really had Worldwide Leader worthy delivery (though he sounds pretty damn good leading into Magic Johnson on the post-game show) and his "catchy" calls on replays going into the break often induced groans, save my fave momma, there goes that man. The interesting dynamic of this threesome is that Van Gundy coached Jackson. In some ways, it was apparent during broadcasts -- coach rambling on with his (sometimes incoherent) 'wisdom' and the player adamantly defying it with his own opinion. It covered the bases, but too many times it would result in really distracting (playful) bickering. I guess some viewers like(d) that, but not this one. 

Either way, nothing but all the best to Jackson with his new job; I'd like to think he has a pretty good opportunity to succeed in Golden State.

In a luxury hotel in Switzerland, the future of the Olympic television rights are being hotly contested and it's quite an intriguing story. For the media pundits who are covering this relentlessly, you probably should get your fix of breaking news elsewhere. This is more of a summary of what's unfolding and what to keep an eye on as it looks like we'll know the fate of the next two and possibly four Olympics in the coming days. 

In town are representatives from Fox/FX, ESPN/ABC, and NBC/Comcast. CBS and Turner considered making a joint bid similar to their March Madness tag team action, but opted to stay on the sidelines. Television rights for the Olympics have not been up for bid for over 8 years, when NBC renewed their partnership with the IOC.

Back then, Dick Ebersol, the recently departed head of NBC Sports pushed all in with a bid of $2.2 billion. He wanted to keep the Olympics badly and thought that was the magic number to get the job done. Unfortunately, it ended up being a horrible deal for NBC.

The bid was $900 million over Fox's bid of $1.3 billion and ESPN didn't even offer up a guarantee, but instead a revenue share -- viewed somewhat as a half assed offer, but probably respectable for a cable network still building their media empire. The move ended up costing NBC hundreds of millions of dollars.  

"He overbid dramatically, with the backing of NBC’s parent at the time, General Electric, and the recession hurt advertising. The 2010 Vancouver Winter Games lost $223 million, astonishing for a 17-day event. Next year’s London Summer Games, which cost a record Olympic rights fee of $1.18 billion, are expected to lose at least as much, and Comcast, NBC Universal’s new owner, will have to absorb it.

Ebersol will not get a chance to redeem himself or lead NBC back to Lausanne on June 6 to the negotiation for the 2014 and ’16 Olympics. He resigned on Thursday, losing a power play with Stephen B. Burke, his boss since earlier this year when Comcast took control of NBC Universal."

Many believed Ebersol would come back strong and win the rights again, but this time at a deal that would be beneficial for NBC/Comcast and see him step away after the 2012 Olympics, passing the torch to someone else while ensuring the strong legacy and relationship between NBC and the Olympics.

Comcast, the new majority owner of NBC and known as a much more profit driven company, was vocal that they wouldn't overbid this time. It seemed to some that NBC might lose their staple property. Then Ebersol abruptly resigned and his number one lieutenant followed suit. 

Ebersol built a strong relationship with the IOC and was consistent in showcasing the Olympics in a positive manner. Many of the Olympic-focused personnel at NBC were reported to be crying the day of Ebersol's announcement, a potential clue into their insight as to what would unfold with the Olympic bidding. 

Ever since Ebersol's departure, it's been quite the topic among media analysts and sports fans as it's hard to really peg anyone as a favorite for the Olympic rights. You can even bet on who will win the bidding on bodog where Comcast/NBC has recently been moved to the underdog position. 

Last month we reported that Marv Albert was rumored to be in talks with CBS to replace Gus Johnson in the booth for NFL coverage. Today that move was finalized as CBS announced Albert will indeed be joining the fold this coming fall (pending the labor situation getting resolved). Below is the typical PR blurb you get with these announcements.

“Marv Albert is recognized throughout sports broadcasting as one of its true legends,” says McManus.  “Very few in the broadcasting industry can claim his combined accomplishments and remarkable longevity.  We are extremely excited to add Marv to our NFL ON CBS team.”

Many of our older readers will recall Albert as one of the better announcers at NBC when they had the AFC package of NFL games. If you think Albert may be out of practice in terms of calling NFL games, he's actually been doing Monday Night Football on the radio for quite awhile although he moved on from that role after the 2009 season. 

We're not sure who CBS will pair Albert with or if he'll enter the CBS totem pole of announcers in Johnson's former position (6th string team) or do more prominent games.

This definitely helps CBS limit the damage of Johnson's departure to Fox and puts some closure behind the very public move. Albert is a big name whose resume speaks for itself and has a very recognizeable voice that fans enjoy. CBS still will have to deal with March Madness without Johnson, which is definitely a social phenomena that really can't be replaced. 

For NBA fans, Albert isn't going anywhere in regards to his NBA responsibilities. 

Monday June 6

Los Angeles Dodgers @ Philadelphia Phillies (ESPN 7PM) Sean McDonough, Rick Sutcliffe, Aaron Boone

Tuesday June 7

Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees (MLBN 7PM) Bob Costas, David Cone [Alternate: LA Dodgers @ Philadelphia ]

Wednesday June 8

Chicago Cubs @ Cincinnati Reds (MLBN 12:30PM) Local Broadcast [Alternate: Minnesota @ Cleveland - Noon]
Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees (ESPN 7PM) Dave O'Brien, Nomar Garciaparra

Thursday June 9

Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees (MLBN 7PM) Bob Costas, David Cone [Alternate: Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia]
Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia Phillies (WGNA 7PM) Len Kasper, Bob Brenly

Friday June 10

Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia Phillies (MLBN 7PM) Local Broadcast [Alternate: Boston @ Toronto]

Saturday June 11

Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia Phillies (FOX 4PM) Kenny Albert, Tim McCarver
Cincinnati Reds @San Francisco Giants (FOX 4PM) Thom Brennaman, Eric Karros
Texas Rangers @ Minnesota Twins (FOX 4PM) Dick Stockton, Mark Grace
St. Louis Cardinals @ Milwaukee Brewers (MLBN 7PM) Local Broadcast [Alternate: NY Mets @ Pittsburgh]
Oakland A's @ Chicago White Sox (WGNA 7PM) Ken Harrelson, Steve Stone

Sunday June 12

Cleveland Indians @ New York Yankees (TBS 1PM) Dick Stockton, Ron Darling, David Wells
Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia Phillies (WGNA 1:30PM) Len Kasper, Bob Brenly
Cincinnati Reds @ San Francisco Giants (ESPN 8PM) Dan Shulman, Orel Hershiser, Bobby Valentine

H/T Sammy!

Vancouver defeated Boston on Saturday night to take a 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Finals on a goal by Alex Burrows, who may be more famous for his dental work than his goal scoring prowess.  Of course, with the furor over Burrows biting the hand of Patrice Bergeron in Game 1 and NOT being suspended... you had to figure that Burrows would be the hero for a Game 2 Vancouver win.  He registered 2 goals and an assist in a 3-2 win, including the OT winner 11 seconds into the period. 

But there was also another bite-related incident in Game 2 (what, is Mike Tyson in this series?), certainly an impressive streak for these Stanley Cup Finals.  Vancouver's Max Lapierre decided to have some fun with all the controversy out of Game 1 by taking part in this taunt of Bergeron.  As you listen in, the Canadian CBC announcers decide to take the light-hearted, joyful, aww he's just having fun route.  "Have a bite, come on."



On the other hand, the NBC studio broadcast crew decided to eviscerate Lapierre for his behavior, with the spearhead being led by former Bruin Mike Milbury.  "Look at the punks out to play like Lapierre."  The only denigration of the game was the NHL not suspending Burrows for the bite, when there was complete historical precedence to do so.  



I suppose it's all about perspective isn't it?  I doubt the Canadian and American broadcasts are specifically and overtly slanted towards Vancouver and Boston like some sort of local broadcast.  If that was the case, at least NBC could get commentary from Jack Edwards!  It is an interesting comparison to make though... is one broadcast right, and one wrong?  Or, is Lapierre's actions just not that big of a deal?  By the way, I find it quite ironic for Miike Milbury to criticize anyone for their questionable, offensive behavior and denigrating the game... seeing as how he was the guy that beat up a fan with his own shoe.

[H/T Deadspin] 
 

For the second straight week, NASCAR had a thrilling last lap finish come down to fuel mileage.  This time, it was in the Nationwide Series race at Chicago.  Leader Carl Edwards and 2nd place driver Justin Allgaier were racing for the win.  Edwards went to empty first down the backstretch, then Allgaier passed him and ran out of gas coming out of Turn 4 like Dale Earnhardt Jr. last week.  Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne was in 3rd.  Watch as ESPN play by play man Marty Reid's voice rises in excitement and anticipation for a photo finish with Bayne and Allgaier.  As thrilling as the finish sounds, that white car that passed Allgaier was not Trevor Bayne, it was a lapped car.  Allgaier coasted home first in front of Edwards... and then Bayne.  Oops.



That's unfortunate.  It's tough to be too hard on Marty Reid because at least he got the Indy 500 finish right last week with Dan Wheldon passing a wrecked JR Hildebrand (and if you had to pick one finish to get right it's Indy, not a random Nationwide race... I suppose the alternative is to get both correct though).  The circus-like finish and botched call makes this announcing moment an early nominee for the 2011 Ruben Rivera Award for the funniest screw-up of the year... basically it's a lame excuse and a made-up award to show you this clip of Ruben Rivera running around like a madman.  I think it compares well to the action in the ESPN NASCAR booth.  Plus, this clip never gets old...



[As usual, thanks to @bubbaprog for the video!]
 

Mike Milbury (former NHL player, coach, and general manager) is an analyst for NBC's Stanley Cup coverage, and for game two of the Bruins/Canucks series tonight in Vancouver, he's wearing this tie:

Ah, the old "purple flowers surrounding a river of urine" look. Great Stanley Cup wear.

I think it's rare that Craig Sager could shake his head in disapproval of somebody's tie, but this may be one of those times.

H/T: 30FPS; @bubbaprog (an absolute must-follow on Twitter)