If SDSG Was King of All Media...

Since Howard Stern hasn't written a book, appeared regularly on television, or been in a movie in more than five years, I think the self proclaimed King of All Media has given up the right to use that moniker.  I'm going to anoint myself as King for the sole purpose of designating who should do what on television, radio, and film.  In this first installment, let's look at televised sports and studio shows: 


NBA Basketball:   Marv Albert and Reggie Miller by a whisker over Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, and Mark Jackson.   Although certain sexual proclivities have tarnished his reputation a bit, there is still nobody better than Marv.  He and Reggie make a nice combo and they should continue to get better and better.  The last couple of seasons I've enjoyed the camaraderie between JVG and MJ, but I thought they stumbled badly in the NBA finals a couple months ago.  It just seemed like they were too busy looking for head coaching jobs and the analysis suffered as a result.  We'll see if things return to normal now that both will be announcing again rather than coaching next season.


NBA Basketball/Studio:  Ernie, Charles and Kenny - These three are pre-game, halftime, and post-game gold. 


Golf:  Mike Tirico, Johnny Miller, Nick Faldo, David Feherty, Gary McCord, and Dottie Pepper -  All three major networks are represented and these six definitely have distinguished themselves from everyone else.  The smooth and steady Tirico is the perfect set up guy anchoring the coverage.  Joining him in the booth are Miller and Faldo, who both aren't shy about criticizing current players and decisions that are made on the course.  Feherty and McCord bring wit and irreverence to the broadcast while Pepper balances them out with her just the facts ma'am approach.         


Tennis:  Dick Enberg and John McEnroe - Despite his advancing age, Enberg is the consummate professional who brings class to every event.  Although awful in every other conceivable format (talk show host & game show host are two that immediately come to mind), Johnny Mac is a superb color guy.  Like Miller and Faldo, he isn't afraid to call players out when necessary.


Pro Football:   Mike Tirico and Chris Collinsworth - Twenty years ago John Madden was great, but he has been mailing it in for at least a decade now.  Troy Aikman is often praised and for the life of me I can't figure out why.  I can't remember the last time he told me something I didn't already know or could plainly see on the screen.  This is why I'm going with Collinsworth.  He's not perfect as a color guy, but is knowledgeable, informative and opinionated.  Tirico gets the play-by-play gig for now due to his nuts & bolts approach.  However, the excitable Gus Johnson is definitely on the radar screen and closing fast.    


Pro Football/Studio Pre-game & Halftime:  James Brown, Howie Long, and Jimmy Johnson - These three had great chemistry when they were together.  Terry Bradshaw's shtick is really wearing thin these days, but I'd throw him a bone and give him one remote segment.  


Pro Football/Post-game Highlights:  Chris Berman and Tom Jackson - These days Berman is tough to stomach at almost everything (golf, baseball, NFL Draft anchor etc. etc.) but pro football highlights.  He and Jackson worked well together for years and always made the broadcast entertaining.  I really miss their show in the late afternoon/early evening.  Watching Costas and Olbermann on NBC just isn't the same... 

Where Is She Now?

All this talk about Erin Andrews over the past few days got me thinking about another sideline reporter.  After a one year stint on Monday Night Football in 2003, Lisa Guerrero seemingly disappeared from public view.  Turns out she married former pitcher Scott Erickson the next year and hasn't been seen since.  Perhaps Ms. Andrews will go a similar route a few years from now...

My Football Guys

In addition to My Basketball Guys, I'll also be taking a brief look at some of my favorite football players over the past couple of decades:


Chuck Muncie - Favorite football player ever.  Muncie was the perfect combination of speed and power.  Literally could do it all on the field

Leroy Hoard - In fantasy football I tried to draft this guy every year.  Great 4th or 5th running back to have on your roster as he always seemed to be good for 8 TD's a year 

Brian Westbrook - Westy is one of my two or three favorite players right now.  Love his versatility although injuries are always a concern

Steve McNair - An absolute warrior.  Probably my favorite QB of all-time.  It's a shame he wasn't able to win a Super Bowl because he'll likely never be considered for the Hall of Fame (although I could be wrong)

Brett Favre -  The latest word is that #4 is reporting to training camp at 10:00 this morning.  Even though he has turned into a sideshow freak these days, I still admire Favre's tenacity and grit.  Starting every game at quarterback for seventeen years in a row will likely never happen again.