Manny Unhappy Returns

by John Molori on February 17, 2009

As we await the multi-million dollar fate of Manny Ramirez in 2009, a troubling metamorphosis has taken place. As usual, the media has clearly hypnotized the often-witless fandom.

Manny is now seen as a total villain, a clubhouse virus that victimized the Red Sox during his days in Boston. Worse, the Boston media minions who unfairly pulverized Ramirez for 8 years somehow feel vindicated. There is no question that the end in Boston was surely the fault of Manny and his agent Scott Boras. However, that does not erase the unwarranted hell that the Boston media piled on Ramirez almost from the beginning of his tenure in Beantown.

Manny RamirezIn terms of a love-hate, roller coaster relationship, Ramirez and the New England press broke new ground. Simply put, Manny and the Boston media made Kevin Federline and Britney Spears look like Howard and Marion Cunningham.

It began quite literally at the beginning. In March of 2001, during Ramirez’s first Spring Training with Boston, Boston Herald writer Steve Buckley scribbled a good old-fashioned hatchet job when Ramirez initially resisted a move to left field.

Buckley wrote, “We all knew it wouldn’t last. We all knew there would come a day, Manny being Manny, that he’d clam up and ask to be left alone, that he’d find himself a little hiding place in the clubhouse, a place that would be off-limits to the knights of the keyboard.”

He continued, “The fans are going to be watching him, inspecting him, scouting him, before making a determination about whether or not they like him.” Buckley went on to write that Sox fans “zero in on the very best players … and fire away.” In truth, Buckley was describing his own kind. Rushing to judgment on a star player is the modus operandi of the Boston media.

Here was Buckley’s summation of Ramirez based on just a few days of the player’s first spring training. “This guy is getting paid $160 million over eight years and now he’s saying he won’t even play left field in meaningless spring training games … He owes it to the fans to make an effort. Beyond that, he owes the fans an explanation. This is a joke.”

The “joke” that Buckley referred to continued. In 2003, Sportsradio WEEI’s Glenn Ordway said that the Red Sox should not and could not bring Manny Ramirez back to Boston for the 2004 season. Of course, they did, and later that year, Manny won a little award called the World Series MVP.

Even on the road to that prestigious honor, Ramirez still took it on the chin. The Sunday before the 2004 All-Star break, Ramirez missed a start due to a hamstring injury and WEEI’s Larry Johnson unleashed a tirade of trash on the Red Sox slugger.

He accused Ramirez of being a bad teammate and questioned whether the injury was real. In addition, he criticized Ramirez’s desire to play in the All-Star Game.

Perhaps the height of Johnson’s idiocy was his assertion that Ramirez’s teammates were upset with Manny. This was based on a pregame conversation between Curt Schilling and Ramirez, caught on camera by NESN.

The video showed the teammates engaged in polite conversation, but there was no audio. For all Johnson knew, the two could have been discussing an episode of “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Johnson’s attack on Manny was premeditated. At the top of the program, cohost Craig Mustard revealed that Johnson was licking his chops waiting to snipe at Ramirez. “We have our show,” Johnson told Mustard.

Of course now, Schilling is flapping his gums, saying that he did not like Ramirez and that the two had some physical confrontations.

Schilling has a habit of speaking out before and after the fact. He spouted off on steroid use in baseball, but then was mum at the Congressional hearings on the same subject. When they were teammates, Schilling actually defended Manny at times. In fact, when John Kruk criticized Ramirez’s home run bat flip, Schilling said that the ESPN analyst was just trying to stir things up.

Now that Ramirez is gone, all bets are off. I don’t doubt Schilling’s veracity, but I do think that his own abrasive personality was probably just as much to blame.

In a 2005 interview, Kruk, a former teammate of Schilling in Philadelphia, said, “I’m not around the Red Sox, but I’ve talked to people who played with Curt and they do resent that he talks so much. In fact, a former Phillies teammate still wants a piece of him.” Hmm, so maybe we should just call the Schilling-Ramirez tiff a push.

The media assault on Ramirez continued in 2005. Then-Eagle-Tribune scribe John Tomase penned a scathing column, completely eviscerating Ramirez. He questioned the man’s heart, doubted his dedication to team and blamed him for the high ticket prices at Fenway Park.

Confirming the fickle nature of Ramirez’s relationship with the media, this time it was Tomase who was absolutely skewered by talk radio hosts. It was nearly laughable to listen to fellow media members grill Tomase, specifically the ever flip-flopping Ordway.

The fact is that all of Tomase’s criticisms had been voiced previously by others, but timing is everything. In 2001, Ramirez had yet to prove himself as a Red Sox player. In 2003, the team had lost to the Yankees in the ALCS and Boston was still mired in its curse malaise.

Many of Tomase’s points were valid and proved to be prophetic, but he chose to state them at the most popular point in Red Sox history.

In 2005, WEEI’s Sean McAdam opined that Ramirez was faking a quad injury, and later that year, when Ramirez made his seemingly yearly trade request, he was booed roundly by the Fenway faithful.

That night, WBZ-TV’s Bob Lobel theorized that Pedro Martinez, who left Boston for the Mets the previous off-season, convinced Ramirez to demand the trade. Lobel stopped short of blaming Martinez for the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the eruption of Mount St. Helens and Chevy Chase’s talk show, but I’m sure that was coming.

In 2006, Buckley continued his personal agenda against Ramirez by trashing the outfielder for missing that week’s All-Star Game so he could be healthy for the second half of the season. So, let’s review. In 2004, Larry Johnson trashed Manny for wanting to play in the All-Star Game and in 2006 Buckley trashed him for not wanting to play. How do you win?

FSN (now Comcast SportsNet) “Sports Tonight’s” Mike Felger joined the anti-Manny movement in 2006. In the wake of an injury to the slugger, Felger stated, “I don’t think (Manny) is truly injured to the point where he should miss games.” Felger referred to Ramirez’ injury as a “Quote, unquote meniscus tear, because I don’t believe it’s really that torn.”

Herald writer Michael Silverman responded, “(Ramirez) brings it upon himself unfortunately because he doesn’t discuss these things.” Same old stuff. Ramirez didn’t talk to the media, so idiotic doubts and insulting judgments reigned.

On the same show, Felger discussed an injury to Tim Wakefield, but did not question its validity. Why the double standard for Ramirez? Was it because Wakefield is one of the more media-accessible members of the team?

In the end it doesn’t matter. Ramirez is gone, and his reputation is hurting him in his fight for a multi-year contract. His bitter last weeks and final exit from Boston was not the fault of the media, it was his transformation from Manny being Manny to Manny being Angry.

The end makes it easy to peg Ramirez as the bad guy, but before 2008, it was the Boston media who irrationally trashed the guy. As quirky as Ramirez was, he was always a tireless worker, good teammate and solid citizen, undeserving of all the media-created insults and intrigue.

John Molori writes for Patriots Football Weekly, Boston Baseball Magazine, New England Golf Monthly, Methuen Life Magazine and BostonSportsMedia.com. He is a contributor to the “Papa Joe Chevalier Show” at KLAV AM 1230 in Las Vegas and papajoetalk.com. He hosts the “J-Team Radio Show” at AM 980 WCAP and www.jteamradio.com. Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com.

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Torre Arrives in Kiss and Tell Hell

by John Molori on February 7, 2009

Torre arrives in kiss and tell hell

Joe Torre always seemed just a little better than the people and things around him. He carried himself with a quiet dignity and appeared to have wisdom beyond us mere mortals. He was legit, the real deal, a rock.

That is why it was so utterly sad to watch Torre on CBS’ “Late Show with David Letterman” this past week trying to twitch and fidget his way out of the backlash generated by his book “The Yankee Years,” co-written with Sports Illustrated scribe and MLB Network regular Tom Verducci.

Parts of the book criticize some of Torre’s former Yankee players and colleagues. It is a typical kiss and tell, behind the scenes hatchet job, conveniently released now that Torre is 3000 miles away managing the Los Angeles Dodgers.

During the Letterman gig, Torre went so far as to imply that some of the information in the book was written by Verducci, not Torre himself. Letterman, clearly trying to help Torre, went along with that line of B.S. It may be true that Verducci contributed much to the book, but Torre’s name comes first, and therefore, he is responsible for every word between the covers.

The contents of Torre’s latest venture into the often-crass world of sports authoring is no surprise. He is merely the latest jerk to sell out those with whom he once worked daily.

In 2003, “60 Minutes” interviewed ex-Giant linebacker Lawrence Taylor regarding his own piece of literary slop . The Q and A spurred much unnecessary controversy. In truth, LT really didn’t tell us anything that we didn’t already know.

Regarding bounties in the NFL, Taylor offered, “That’s just part of being the [expletive deleted] rough and tough football player. You get no pay for doing a cheap shot. But if I hit you straight up, yeah we’re going to get paid for that.”

The bounty issue is an old one. Current Fox analyst and ex-Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson used to go toe-to-toe with former Eagles coach Buddy Ryan on bounty accusations.

Regarding Taylor’s bounty comments, NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders stated, “We passed the hat around. Guys put in $100 here, $100 there. You knocked the guy out, but it was not initiated from the team or the coaches.” Added CBS’ Dan Marino, “We did that with touchdown passes too. Big play, big touchdown passes, players would put it in a pool.”

Taylor also discussed prostitution in the NFL, stating that teams would send women to their opponents’ hotel rooms to tire them out before games. He also reiterated that he and many NFL players spent as much as $1000 a day on drugs.

Was this news? Face it folks. CEO’s at business conventions send women to other guys’ rooms. The NFL is not the only bastion of bad behavior. As for Taylor’s drug use, it is about as surprising as Monday coming after Sunday.

All of this was, to quote William Shakespeare, much ado about nothing. The bottom line is that Lawrence Taylor was trying to trigger sales for his new book. What we saw on “60 Minutes” was the same tired old rant of a gifted athlete hell-bent on self-destruction.

In 2005, “60 Minutes” interviewed former NFL tough guy Bill Romanowski. Known for his dirty methods and pharmacological diet, Romanowski showed regret for his brutal play and admitted to taking steroids and human growth hormone provided by Victor Conte of BALCO infamy.

Romanowski’s performance was from the Lawrence Taylor school of thought. Step 1: Show a sensitive side preferably accompanied by tears. Step 2: Admit to character flaws. Step 3: Drum up interest in your soon to be released book, “Romo. My Life on the Edge.”

In the interview, Romanowski talked about breaking the finger of Dave Meggett during a game. “All I could get was a finger and, at the time, I thought it was his, but whatever it was, I just snapped it and I could hear a scream at the bottom of the pile,” he stated. How nice.

We learned that Romanowski’s hard-hitting style resulted in twenty “documented” concussions and possibly permanent brain damage. According to CBS, Romanowski’s brain showed “profound slowing of cognitive function.”

In truth, Romanowski’s brain functioning was questionable long before the interview. Throughout his career, he was a cocky, swaggering ass. He regaled anyone who would listen about his gross intake of a smorgasbord of pills and supplements. His teary admissions of using steroids and feeling regret for his past were about as sentimental as a Motorhead concert.

“I compromised my morality to get ahead, to play another year, to play two more years, to win another Super Bowl,” the ex-Niner, Bronco and Raider said in an almost heroic tone. Please. This interview was completely laughable.

The fact is that Romanowski was being utterly Cansecoesque, cashing in on the steroid scare and feigning regret for his cheating ways. The same way the washed up Canseco’s “Juiced” book blew the lid off baseball’s steroid secret. Canseco, to some, is now viewed as some sort of hero, but in truth, he wrote the book just to satisfy his own thirst for lost glory.

You can almost understand why has-beens like Taylor, Romanowski and Canseco decide to put poison pen to paper. They have an almost psychopathic drive to share their bitterness and anger with all of us. They are desperate for attention and money. In many ways, Torre’s indiscretion is worse. He is a manager, and a wealthy and working manager at that. He is supposed to be the father-figure on a team. He is supposed to be the one who eliminates in-fighting. He is supposed to be the one person on a team whom everyone should be able to trust.

Torre’s book is a shameful stab at a financial windfall, and Verducci is no better. For years, he has criticized Barry Bonds for being a bad teammate. Now, Verducci is profiting from Torre being a bad manager. I guess stabbing teammates and colleagues in the back is OK if it lines your pockets, right Tom?

On the Letterman show, Torre looked tired, worn and frazzled with all the negativity surrounding his book. He tried to dodge, deflect and dance around the blame. Yes, Joe Torre always seemed just a little better than the people and things around him. Turns out he’s as bad as any in the bunch.

John Molori writes for Patriots Football Weekly, Boston Baseball Magazine, New England Golf Monthly and BostonSportsMedia.com. He is a contributor to the “Papa Joe Chevalier Show” at KLAV AM 1230 in Las Vegas and papajoetalk.com. He hosts the “J-Team Radio Show” at AM 980 WCAP and www.jteamradio.com. Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com.

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Pittsburgh Cheap Shots Reign Supreme

by John Molori on January 20, 2009

Carson Palmer knows it, so does Tom Brady and Matt Hasselbeck. Now, Willis McGahee knows it too. The Pittsburgh Steelers are cheap shot artists, plain and simple. They have been since Bill Cowher became their head coach in 1992, and they remain so with Mike Tomlin at the helm.

It is intrinsic in the game plan devised by defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau to take every opportunity to hurt the opposition whenever possible. Latter day Steeler football is all about blindside hits and helmet first shots. They rely on the consistent ignorance of NFL officials and the blind eye of the league to get away with it.

Steeler fans and the national media who seem to genuflect at the mere mention of this organization should stop sidestepping the issue and embrace what their team is, a band of thugs, no more, no less.

The media is especially guilty. In the wake of Ryan Clark’s dirty hit on Baltimore running back Willis McGahee late in Sunday’s AFC title game, announcers Jim Nantz and Phil Simms immediately exonerated Clark calling the hit perfectly legal. Their replays showed that Clark’s hit was clearly helmet-to-helmet, but Steeler love had taken over the broadcast booth. Clearly, this legendary team could never administer a dirty hit. Please.

It’s no surprise that Simms let Clark off the hook. He has, in the past, cowered, or shall I say, Cowher-ed similarly. In the first half of the 2002 AFC title game between the Steelers and New England, Simms failed to take a stand when Steelers linebacker Jason Gildon rolled over onto Tom Brady’s legs nearly injuring the Pats’ QB.

Later in the half, when Lee Flowers delivered his infamous dirty hit to Brady’s leg knocking him out of the game, Simms was again mum.

In the second half of that game, New England’s Ty Law shoved Hines Ward while the two were out of bounds. Referee Ed Hochuli tagged Law for unnecessary roughness, but failed to call Ward for a blatant facemask.

CBS showed several replays of the call, and not once did Simms remark on the obvious facemask. But this is Steeler football, baby. Smile to the cameras. Hire a coach that sucks up to the media and loves to be on TV, and you can get away with anything.

Monday, on SIRIUS NFL Radio, Randy Cross and Solomon Wilcots also defended Clark’s hit on McGahee. Wilcots said that there was a little helmet to helmet contact, but stood up for the Steelers. Cross actually said that helmet to helmet hits on a runner do not exist, whatever that means. The pair then chuckled about Willis McGahee being “liquified.” Yeah guys, seeing a player carried off on a stretcher always tickles my funny bone. Later in the show, Cross and Wilcots seemed more concerned about the health and state of Clark than McGahee.

Pittsburgh’s recent history of cheap shots is the stuff of which championships are made. The Steelers’ only Super Bowl title since the Reagan administration was a direct result of perhaps the most fiendish hit in recent memory.

Flash back to the 2005 NFL Wild Card playoffs, Pittsburgh at Cincinnati. The Bengals had finally put together a great season led by quarterback Carson Palmer. They looked every bit the championship team until Pittsburgh’s Kimo von Oelhoffen delivered a vile hit damaging Palmer’s ACL, MCL and PCL. The cheap shot ended the Bengals title hopes and changed the balance of power in the AFC North for the rest of the decade.

Once again, the Steeler apologists immediately absolved von Oelhoffen of any wrongdoing. In true Steeler fashion, von Oelhoffen said he did not mean to hurt Palmer, the same way Ryan Clark sat on the Pittsburgh bench Sunday night seemingly remorseful about his hatchet job on McGahee. Sorry guys, in both cases, the damage had already been done. Palmer has never truly recovered from that hit, and has battled other injuries ever since.

The beloved Steelers of course went on to win the Super Bowl against Seattle in one of the worst officiated games in Super Bowl history. Most of the bad calls, of course, went in favor of Pittsburgh. First time Super Bowl referee Bill Leavy and his crew negatively affected the outcome of the game in embarrassing fashion.

They missed several offside calls against Pittsburgh, called a phantom hold on Seahawk Sean Locklear nullifying a big reception by Jerramy Stevens and called a bogus block below the waist on Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck.

A called fumble by Hasselbeck was correctly overturned by replay, but a clear helmet first hit by Deshea Townsend on Hasselbeck with 6:20 left in the game went ignored. Another dirty Steeler hit, another non-call by officials, another bogus Steeler victory.

The Steelers are not only dirty, they are gutless. At least the Raiders of the 1970s accepted what they were. Jack Tatum, George Atkinson and the gang admitted that they were out to injure and maim. The Cowher-Tomlin Steelers seem to want it all. They want to be respected as a hard-hitting football team that does things the right way, yet on the field, their record of questionable actions speaks for itself.

The towel waving Steeler fools and the merry band of Black and Gold boosters in the media can try to cloak the cheap shots in fabled glory. Bill Cowher can sit at the CBS anchor desk flapping his chin about hard nosed football, and Mike Tomlin can feign concern for victims of his brand of football. Their words are meaningless. On February 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers may in fact be crowned the NFL’s champs. In truth, they are nothing more than a bunch of chumps.

John Molori writes for Patriots Football Weekly, Boston Baseball Magazine, New England Golf Monthly and BostonSportsMedia.com. He is a contributor to the “Papa Joe Chevalier Show” at KLAV AM 1230 in Las Vegas and papajoetalk.com. He hosts the “J-Team Radio Show” at AM 980 WCAP and www.jteamradio.com. Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com.

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Rice Immortal, Ringolsby Irrational

by John Molori on January 12, 2009

Tracy RingolsbyJustice has been served. After 15 years of being snubbed, sacked and sneered at by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA), James Edward Rice, the pre-eminent slugger of his era, has taken his much-deserved place among baseball’s elite in the Hall of Fame.

To his credit, Rice handled his selection with the same class and aplomb with which he handled his rejection. The fact is that Rice should not have had to sweat it out year after year, while borderline Hall of Famers like Tony Perez, Gary Carter, and Rich Gossage were inducted by the BBWAA.

Despite his selection, Rice still stands as the ultimate reason why Baseball Hall of Fame voting should not be solely under the jurisdiction of baseball writers. This often self-centered and biased horde is neither worthy nor able to be the lone arbiters of immortality. Give them a vote for sure, but let there also be input from players, coaches and baseball executives.

There were many who felt that Rice’s delayed selection was a product of his frosty relationship with the media. At best, the Red Sox slugger was cordial to the press. At worst, he was impenetrable. In short, Rice’s only real crime was being silent. In a 1993 interview with Rice, I asked him why he was so seemingly aloof and his response was surprisingly simple. “I was very protective of my work habits,” Rice said. “I didn’t want anyone to know what I did to achieve the success I had.” What a jerk, huh!

Guys like Larry Bird regularly sidestepped silly questions from the press, and when Bird did respond, it was usually sarcastic. Others like Carl Yastrzemski were about as pleasant as Nick Nolte in detox. Even the beloved and worshipped Ted Williams had a relationship with the media that would make Ike and Tina Turner look like Ozzie and Harriet. All these men are deified in Boston, while Rice was ostracized.

Rice arrived in Boston in 1974, at the height of racial unrest in a city not especially known for its tolerance. Don’t you think that a young man from the southern town of Anderson, South Carolina might have some trouble adjusting to life in a northern metropolis like Boston? Don’t you think there might be some tendency to withdraw and be careful and selective as to whom he trusts?

In 1975, Rice put together one of the best rookie seasons in memory (22 HR, 102 RBI, .312 avg.), but it was fellow rookie Fred Lynn that grabbed Boston’s headlines and hearts. Almost from day one, Rice was overlooked and undervalued by the media. His serious nature and focused veneer only added to the distance. He was a misunderstood talent, and few members of the predominantly white media ever cared to ask why.

And that brings us to today, Rice’s day. Last week, Tracy Ringolsby, a member and former president of the BBWAA, penned a hatchet job of Rice clearly designed to sway voters away from Big Jim Ed. In the column, Ringolsby expressed dismay that Rice would probably “slip in” to the Hall of Fame and said he was “confused” that Rice could actually get the 75% of the vote needed for induction. Judging from the lack of intelligence in his column, Ringolsby is confused by a lot of things.

Ringolsby wrote, “The Hall of Fame is for the elite of the elite of the elite.” He is entitled to his opinion, but later on in the column, he says that the dubious likes of Andre Dawson, Tim Raines and Dale Murphy are more qualified for induction than Rice. Dawson? Raines? Murphy? The elite of the elite of the elite? I can only guess that Ringolsby believed “Ishtar” to be Oscar material.

It gets worse. Ringolsby further states that Rice was the best player on the Red Sox only in 1978 when he hit .315 with 46 home runs and 139 RBI. Again, you can look at the stats and fully debate that assertion. In addition to ’78, Rice was arguably the best Red Sox player in 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1983 and 1985.
Ringolsby’s point is pointless. Since when is being the best player on your team every year a prerequisite for induction? Ringolsby essentially contradicts himself by saying that one of Rice’s drawbacks is that he was intentionally walked just 77 times in his career.

So, let me get this straight. First, Ringolsby says that Rice was surrounded by players better than he, and then he trashes Rice for not being intentionally walked more often. This is indicative of why writers should at least share the vote.

Carlton Fisk, Dwight Evans, Yastrzemski, George Scott, Tony Armas, Mike Easler, Bill Buckner and Don Baylor are just a few of the players who shared the lineup card with Rice in his Red Sox career. Are you going to walk Rice to face that group of sluggers? And since when are intentional walks a ticket to the Hall? Much of the media has dismissed Barry Bonds intentional walk rate as a bogus product of steroid use, yet Ringolsby actually uses that worthless stat against Rice. I guess David Ortiz is swamp sludge because Manny Ramirez hit behind him all those years.

Ringolsby goes on to say that Rice’s stats declined in his last three seasons (1987-89). Again, outside of the steroid freaks, most hitter’s stats do not improve in the final years of their careers. The Hall of Fame is littered with inductees whose numbers dip with time. At least Rice left the game with his head held high and didn’t hang on like Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Tony Perez and others.

Ringolsby is nitpicking, trying to keep an old media grudge against Rice alive. His weak arguments and contrived logic are reason enough to revamp the Hall of Fame voting methods. Thank goodness that enough of Ringolsby’s colleagues did not share his small-minded views. This summer, James Edward Rice will go to Cooperstown, his rightful place, while Ringolsby remains miserably stuck his own spiteful place.

John Molori writes for Patriots Football Weekly, Boston Baseball Magazine, and BostonSportsMedia.com. He is a contributor to the “Papa Joe Chevalier Show” at KLAV AM 1230 in Las Vegas and papajoetalk.com. He hosts the “J-Team Radio Show” at AM 980 WCAP and www.jteamradio.com. Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com.

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Foolish Fanfare for Fraudulent Favre

by John Molori on January 9, 2009

During the January 8 edition of ESPN’s sublime “Pardon the Interruption” program, Tony Kornheiser initiated a discussion about Brett Favre pondering, once again, whether to return to the NFL for about his sixth “one more season.” In response, Michael Wilbon retorted that he really does not care what Favre does. Kornheiser pushed the issue saying that Wilbon was being indecisive. Wilbon countered saying that he was anything but, reiterating that he has totally lost interest in the Favre “soliloquy.” Big time cheers to Wilbon here. The Favre saga has become about as interesting what pill Amy Winehouse will pop next.

For Favre, another season has ended with another huge interception that cost his team dearly. And once again, it is clear that with all of Favre’s plusses (incredible stats, leadership, toughness), he is equally dogged by some serious minuses (mistakes, poor judgement, false sense of invincibility).

In the wake of Favre’s 3 interception embarrassment against Miami in the final week of the regular season, much of the NFL media and fandom have been, predictably, sympathetic. Go to NYJetsChat.com and read the sad ramblings of a fan saying that the Jets’ fall was the fault of offensive philosophy, not Favre. Visit NewYorkJets.com and read editor-in-chief Randy Lange actually make a case for Favre’s return to New York. It appears that, as usual, Favre is getting a giant pass, even after one of the most pathetic performances in recent elimination game history, one that inevitably cost Eric Mangini his job.

On SIRIUS NFL Radio, the excellent Adam Schein expressed dismay that Mangini was able to score a new head coaching gig in Cleveland so quickly after the Jets’ collapse. Schein’s feelings are understandable, but he failed to pin any of the blame on Favre. Mangini never wanted to go the Favre route. He and the Jets sold their souls to the devil, in this case, one wearing a giant ego, three days of facial hair and Wrangler jeans. Schein can trash Mangini all he wants. It was not the coach who took the pipe in an elimination game at home against a division rival.

It makes me wonder why a guy like Donovan McNabb continually incurs the wrath of the press, while Favre goes unscathed. It may lend credence to McNabb’s contention that African-American quarterbacks are in fact judged differently by the press and public, but this is not about race. Guys like Tony Romo, Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Jake Delhomme, Jeff Garcia, Philip Rivers and others have all been justifiably skewered at one time or another, while Favre coasts.

Let’s face it, kids. If not for then-Patriots coach Bill Parcells’ inexplicable decision to continually kick to Green Bay’s Desmond Howard in Super Bow XXXI, Favre would be without a title. The truth is that over his career, he has hurt his teams as much as he has helped them, maybe more. In fact, the culmination of Favre’s 2008 season plays into a belief that I have long held, namely, that if given the chance, there are at least 25 quarterbacks in NFL lore that I would select ahead of Favre if starting a team.

Laugh if you will. Storm me with emails and cheesehead-driven static, but it’s true. My list follows. It is totally subjective, and not at all based on statistics. Agree or disagree. Applaud or vilify, no matter. These guys, in no particular order, would all make my roster before the completely overrated Favre:

Bart Starr
John Unitas
Joe Namath
Terry Bradshaw
Roger Staubach
Fran Tarkenton
Joe Montana
Jim Kelly
Dan Marino
John Elway
Warren Moon
Tom Brady
Peyton Manning
Steve Young
Dan Fouts
Troy Aikman
Y.A. Tittle
Bob Griese
Phil Simms
Otto Graham
Sammy Baugh
Bob Waterfield
Bobby Layne
Randall Cunningham
Ken Stabler

Being as kind as I can be to Favre, I did not include a second tier group of QB’s, but you could make a case for the likes of Boomer Esiason, Donovan McNabb, Joe Theismann, Sonny Jurgensen, Norm Van Brocklin and Len Dawson. Make your own list if you want. Add or subtract from mine. The fact is that thanks to the sycophantic likes of NBC’s John Madden and NFL Network’s Steve Mariucci, the Favre lovefest is more propaganda than pragmatism.

Favre’s courage, love of the game and production could never be questioned, but his wreckless style and almost predictable interceptions are damaging to his overall career. In a foxhole, give me Favre anytime. In a close football game, I’ll take any name on that first list without question.

Wilbon deserves credit for putting the Favre soap opera in perspective. He is an old football player trying to hang on to a part of his life that is truly done. As for the Favre apologists, let them continue to pass the buck. If Favre passed it himself, the buck would surely be picked off and returned for six.

John Molori writes for Patriots Football Weekly, Boston Baseball Magazine, and BostonSportsMedia.com. He is a contributor to the “Papa Joe Chevalier Show” at KLAV AM 1230 in Las Vegas and papajoetalk.com. He hosts the “J-Team Radio Show” at AM 980 WCAP and www.jteamradio.com. Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com.

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Kirwan looks at life from both sides now in the NFL

by John Molori on December 31, 2008

In his 36-year NFL career, Pat Kirwan has hired Pete Carroll, been fired by Bill Parcells and spent countless hours with the likes of Al Davis, Bill Belichick and Dan Marino.

The cohost of SIRIUS satellite radio’s “Moving the Chains” and a contributor to both NFL.com and CBS Sports’ “NFL Today,” Kirwan is well versed on the business of running a franchise in today’s NFL. From 1989-97, he worked for the New York Jets as a defensive assistant and, eventually, the team’s director of player administration and salary cap manager.

Kirwan is never at a loss for insight on a host of NFL business issues, including how the Giants have dealt with the Plaxico Burress shooting incident. Says Kirwan, “Maybe it would have been a better plan to put him on indefinite suspension. Now, they’ve shown their hand as to what they will do.

“If you’re going to release him, you have to replace that talent with talent. His production has surpassed the issues, but when I saw him in training camp this summer on that exercise bike, I knew this was a guy who did not want to play. He says he was injured, but did not show up to have it worked on all spring. They still gave him the big contract.”

Kirwan says that management needs to weigh all options in making a decision regarding Burress. “The Mara family and Tom Coughlin have to evaluate their roster. If they feel they have the young talent to replace Burress, they might have some leverage. Maybe they could offer him a chance to stay, but at a reduced contract. If he refuses, they might be forced to release him. They also have to look at the free agent pool.”

Before joining the Jets, Kirwan served as an area scout for the Cardinals and Buccaneers. He has seen a major economic shift that affects whether a franchise stays with a troubled player. “It all started with the increase in guaranteed money,” says Kirwan. “Prior to the early 1990s collective bargaining agreement, there was no guaranteed money. Now, even rookies are getting 60% to 70% of their money guaranteed. Teams have lost their parachute because of the investments they are making in these players.”

When deciding whether to take on a player with some baggage, Kirwan says it is essential to know your coach and your quarterback. “Bill Belichick knew the culture of his locker room. He knew he had a quarterback that was not going to be bullied. That’s why they went after Randy Moss.

“Eli Manning flourished when Jeremy Shockey was out of the picture in New York. Shockey was a politician in the huddle and could be malicious on the sidelines. In New England, the best players are character guys, so you can take a risk here and there. Belichick is undervalued in his ability to communicate with players.

“He runs that tape of who (screwed) up in games and everyone gets a turn to have their balls busted. The players enjoy that.”

Kirwan is a strong proponent of New England’s business model in terms of personnel. He states, “Bill has signed key veterans for 50 cents on the dollar. They can bail on him and it doesn’t matter. Rodney Harrison did not sign with the Patriots for All-Pro money. Bill Parcells also takes more risks than people think. We haven’t heard a negative thing from Ricky Williams all year.”

Speaking of negative, that word does not even begin to describe the situation in Detroit. Kirwan says that the Lions organization has already made a key business blunder. “When they fired Matt Millen, they should have given $1 million each to (former NFL GM and personnel wizard) Ron Wolf and (ex-NFL coach) Dan Reeves as consultants. This is what most companies do.

“Wolf could have evaluated the scouting and player personnel end of things and Reeves could have attended practice and evaluated the players and coaches. Look, Dan Reeves worked with Houston. I know he helped them get (Gary) Kubiak as head coach.”

“Now, the Ford family is doing it, and nothing in their past hirings indicate they are qualified. You have to break the cycle of behavior or you’ll repeat it. What they should have done is ask New England for permission to talk to Scott Pioli. They need a guy who has done it at the highest level. Say, ‘Scott, what is wrong with this team? Tell us how to spend our money.’”

Kirwan’s business model in rebuilding a franchise is one that goes from top to bottom. He relates, “You have to evaluate everyone from the trainers to the doctors to the equipment guys. In 1997 when Bill (Parcells) came to the Jets, I knew I was qualified, but I also knew that Bill would let me go. We are good friends now, but he did not have time to teach me his way of doing things.”

The Patriots corporate brain trust will have a major issue facing them this off-season, namely, what to do with one Mr. Matt Cassel.

“You have to ask yourself about Tom Brady’s health, the fact that he is over 30, and that you have his replacement in Cassel. Are you willing to pay for that?” asks Kirwan, who cohosts his SIRIUS radio show with ex-Chicago Bears defender Tim Ryan.

“Once they decided to go with Matt in Week 1, they should have signed him to a three-year deal at maybe $2 million a year. They obviously knew he was going to be good, why not sign him? You have to sign players before THEY know they’re good. Matt had no idea that he’d be this good.”

Kirwan gives a glimpse into how the rest of the NFL, and prospective suitors, have followed Cassel’s progress. “After a couple of games, he was seen as a good backup which means he is worth about $2 million per year.

“After his first 400-yard passing game, GM’s said that he was looking at Matt Schaub money (6 years, $48 million from the Texans). After the second 400-yard game, they were comparing him to Aaron Rodgers (6 years, $65 million from Green Bay).”

“If you lay the franchise tag on him and try to trade him, Matt controls the trade. Let’s say the Lions call and New England wants a second round pick in exchange. That’s great, but if Matt doesn’t want to sign a long-term deal with Detroit, the deal’s off. No team is going to take Cassel short term. Also, if the college quarterback talent pool is weak, Matt has more leverage.”

Kirwan offers a possible solution to keep Cassel in New England. “I would go to Matt and offer him a two-year deal for say $10 million, and back end the deal with incentives should he start. After two years, if Brady’s health is an issue, you can keep Matt and let Brady go.”

While Kirwan praises the New England ownership, he is candid in discussing another NFL owner. Specifically, will Al Davis ever bring in a qualified football person to help rebuild the Raiders?

“I know Al on a personal level,” explains Kirwan who has spent time with Davis the past two summers. “At no time did I feel comfortable asking him that question. He is going to fly this ship by himself until the end. He had personnel guys like Ron Wolf and Bruce Allen, and coaches like Lane Kiffin, Mike Shanahan and Jon Gruden, but he wore them out.

“Al might be the greatest owner/coach ever, but he has never built a system of trust with anyone. His legacy is such that it cannot be carried on.”

Kirwan sees a potentially similar situation developing in Dallas. “Jerry Jones is impulsive and likes to do things the fast way,” says Kirwan. “He counts on his personality to work with players. Jerry has had the opportunity to observe Al and he has to know that if he is not careful, that could be him. He now has the added pressure of turning that new stadium into a profit. Who knows how much he has leveraged himself on that?”

Kirwan was part of the Jets front office that hired Pete Carroll as head coach in 1994, and was consulted when Bob Kraft considered and eventually hired Carroll in 1997. He relates, “I told Bob that Pete was my best friend. Bob told me he wanted to hire Belichick instead of Pete, but Belichick was too close to Parcells at the time.

“Pete always tells me that several owners have asked him to return to the NFL. I respond, ‘Look knucklehead, you have the best job in the world. Stay put.’ I could see Pete returning to the NFL, but it would have to be on the west coast for the right owner.”

And just what makes such an owner? “Look, Bob Kraft came to New England after Parcells was already there, then brought in Pete Carroll and it was a disaster. Bob learned that lesson. I’ll leave you with this. (Eagles’ owner) Jeff Lurie realizes how to operate a team. He lets the football people run it and gets out of the way.”

John Molori writes for Patriots Football Weekly, Boston Baseball Magazine and is a contributor to the “Papa Joe Chevalier Show” at KLAV AM 1230 in Las Vegas and papajoetalk.com. He hosts the “J-Team Radio Show” at AM 980 WCAP and jteamradio.com. Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com.

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The “J-Team Radio Show” will premiere on AM 980 WCAP Tonight - Monday, October 6 at 6:30pm.The “J-Team Radio Show” will premiere on AM 980 WCAP Tonight - Monday, October 6 at 6:30pm.

by admin on October 6, 2008

MOLORI, ATKINSON AND CONNOLLY BRING “THE J-TEAM RADIO SHOW” TO AM 980 WCAP TONIGHT

Popular Sports Show to premiere on AM 980 WCAP TONIGHT - Monday, October 6 at 6:30pm

A new era in interactive sports radio has resumed with “The J-Team Radio Show” on AM 980 WCAP Radio Boston/Merrimack Valley/Southern NH. This exciting program airs Sundays, 10am-Noon and Mondays, 6:30pm-8pm. Fans can listen online at www.jteamradio.com. The show will premiere TONIGHT, Monday, October 6 at 6:30pm featuring Hall of Fame CBS broadcaster Lesley Visser as a guest.

So, who is the J-Team? John Molori’s syndicated Media Blitz column has been published in major newspapers and websites throughout New England. Molori is also a regular contributor to several radio, television and Internet programs including “The Papa Joe Chevalier Show.”

He writes for numerous publications including Boston Baseball Magazine, Patriots Football Weekly. “Sports radio is still the best form of interactive media,” says Molori. “The J-Team is not about patting ourselves on the back or kissing up to the sports in-crowd. It’s about strong opinions and having a good time talking sports. We are thrilled to be at WCAP.”

Jamie Atkinson has been covering local and Boston sports since 1989. A fixture in the Merrimack Valley sports media scene, his wit and candor make for entertaining radio repartee. “Working with John and Jay is a blast,” says Atkinson. “They are very talented and we have a great chemistry. WCAP is the perfect home for our unique show.”

The third member of the J-Team is Jay Connolly. Connolly has gained a following in the region with several popular cable television programs, but for him, it’s all about the fans. “We are proud to join the WCAP family, and we want to involve the callers, as much as we can, to get their feedback and opinions,” says Connolly. “The listeners make this show great. We give them what they need, a voice in Boston sports radio.”

The J-Team’s website, www.jteamradio.com, is chock full of sports information, and allows listeners to get involved. The ever-growing web aspect will be a key as the show progresses.

Molori, Atkinson and Connolly have featured some excellent guests including ESPN’s Bob Ryan, Comcast SportsNet’s Mike Gorman and Laura Behnke, NESN’s Jack Edwards, sportswriter Mike Shalin, Boxer Vinny Paz, Sports Radio legend Eddie Andelman, sportscaster Dick Stockton and Patriots Football Weekly editor Paul Perillo.

The “J-Team Radio Show” will premiere on AM 980 WCAP Tonight - Monday, October 6 at 6:30pm.

The J-Team prides itself on truly listening to what callers and guests have to say, not talking over them with silly self-promotion or mindless banter. That’s “The J-Team Radio Show” Sundays, 10am-Noon and Mondays, 6:30pm-8pm on AM 980 WCAP, Everybody Gets It! For more information on the J-Team, advertising rates or to do a story on this interesting and exciting new sports program, please contact the J-Team today!

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Gorman Trumpets Arrival of Latest Celtics’ Renaissance

by Bruce on November 27, 2007

THIS WEEK:

  • Celtic revival
  • Rising Stars, Falling Stars: Who’s hot and not in sports media?

Gorman trumpets arrival of latest Celtics’ renaissanceIn his nearly three decades as Boston Celtics television play-by-play man, Mike Gorman has seen more rebuilding projects than the folks from “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” This season, the Green is off to one of the best starts in team history, and once again, Gorman is front and center.“I have never seen excitement like this so early,” says Gorman, a Dorchester, MA native who calls Celtics action regionally on Comcast SportsNet. “Did you see Gilbert Arenas’s blog after the opening game of the season? He said it was as incredible a building as he has ever been in, and that he was not ready for that type of atmosphere.” MGormanhshott.jpgA veteran of the New England media scene since his early days at WPRO in Providence, Gorman believes that the current Celtics are taking a cue from their successful local brethren. He states, “They have picked up the ball from the Pats and Sox and they are running with it. They are capitalizing on the success of those two teams and the organization is very conscious of that.“This is as good an ownership as I’ve been around. They have shown a willingness to spend money and when Danny (Ainge) has come to them saying he needed something, they have never said no. They also never gave any indication that Danny’s or Doc’s (Rivers) job was in jeopardy.”

Indeed, C’s owner Wyc Grousbeck and company have been patient almost to a fault with Ainge and Rivers. The fruits of this heretofore-questionable support now taste pretty sweet. “The ownership has given Danny a chance to do his thing,” says Gorman, whose “Gorman Points” blog and mailbag can be seen at www.comcastsportsnet.com.“He told me three or four years ago that he was going to collect some chips. Either those young players would develop, or he would trade them for established talent.

“If they had gotten the first or second draft pick, I think they would have taken Kevin Durant or Greg Oden and blended them in with Al Jefferson and the other young players. When that did not happen, Danny did a good job of putting another plan into effect. He had players that were desirable to other teams. He was never backed into a corner. Danny would have preferred to get Oden or Durant, but this option turned out even better.”

Playing the lead in this Celtic revival is Kevin Garnett. Gorman is as impressed with KG’s presence as he is with his performance. “After getting Ray Allen on draft night, Danny went back to Garnett and asked, ‘How do we look now?’“Garnett is an old soul. I didn’t know what to expect personality-wise. A lot of people have said that it would have been better to get Garnett when he was younger. I think we got him at the perfect time. He is motivated to win a title and Danny knew that.”

The versatility and leadership of Garnett conjures up visions of past Celtic stars. Says Gorman, “I was fascinated talking to Garnett. He is inclusive. It is we, not I. He is extremely sensitive as well. He told me that in his entire career, he has never felt so appreciated. He wants to give back.“We have a 7’1” guy who is our best rebounder, best passer, best defender and a great scorer. Only Larry Bird and Dave Cowens come to mind in that way. In college basketball, the coach’s personality dominates the team. In the NBA, your best player’s personality dominates the team.”

The Celtics’ fast start has fans licking their chops in anticipation of a playoff bonanza, but Gorman says that the journey might be as fun as the ultimate destination. “These guys are into the process of getting to where they want to be. There are in no hurry to get to May and June. They want to enjoy every practice and game. This is probably the best team that Ray Allen, Garnett and Paul Pierce have been on and they are going to make the Garden a tough place to play again.”

Garnett, Pierce and Ray Allen are powerful offensive forces, but Gorman focuses more on their defense and team philosophy. “The goal of really good players is to make the other guys around them better. With KG and Ray, guys like (Brian) Scalabrine and (Kendrick) Perkins can focus on their strengths.“This team is so much better defensively. (Assistant coach) Tom Thibodeau has a reputation for coaching defense. I asked Tommy (Heinsohn) about the defense and he said that it is so much easier when the best player (Garnett) buys in.

“The top 8 players on this team can all play defense and they have all bought into this. I spoke to (WEEI midday host) Dale Arnold and he said, ‘Let’s see how things are 30 games into the season.’ I told him that he has not been around Kevin Garnett too much.”One guy who is benefiting from being around Kevin Garnett is Paul Pierce. In the past, Gorman has stated that Pierce is not built to be a vocal leader. With Garnett’s arrival, the Celtics captain can focus on playing, not public speaking.

“Sometimes, you love your job, but there is one part of it that you don’t like,” Gorman relates. “That’s how I see Pierce. With Garnett, Paul does not have to do that anymore. Paul tried to be the vocal leader, but it is not in his nature to stand up and speak in the locker room. Ray Allen is a great leader, but he is not very demonstrative. Garnett would give me a glare if he heard me say this, but ultimately, he will be the defining guy on this team.”

With success, comes pressure. Gorman recognizes that the great start has raised the bar for this team as the season progresses. “Doc welcomes the expectations. It’s great to develop players, but you look up and you’re 100 games under .500. Doc would rather hear people say that the Celtics should reach the Conference Finals as opposed to saying they might be an 8th seed and get knocked out in the first round.

“If this team loses a few games, they are not going to question themselves and turn it into a long losing streak. That’s what happened with the young players last year. People have asked how many games I think this team will win this season. I tell them that the number for me is 72. If Garnett, Pierce, Ray Allen and Rondo can play 72 games, they will be great.”

History shows that past Celtics teams put a strong emphasis on the point guard, whether it was Bob Cousy feeding Bill Russell inside, Jo Jo White whipping down the court to start the fastbreak or the late Dennis Johnson firing a laser to Larry Bird for an easy layup. This year’s quarterback is Rajon Rondo, a veritable babe among the seasoned vets.

“Rondo is going to be fine,” says Gorman. “He is scoring, but that’s not even an issue. He is a strong defender and very smart with the ball. People ask if he can make shots. This team has three Hall of Famers. With KG and Ray, the Celtics are pushing the ball up the floor. If they get an early shot, they take it, but if not, these great players can get their touches and make teams defend.

“Doc wants to play 8 guys, 9 at the most in key games. One of the Big 3 (Pierce, Allen, Garnett) will always be on the floor, maybe even two of them. Rondo can tape his fingers together and the team will be fine.”

Fine would be an understatement in describing the talent, class and consistency of Gorman’s work. The man whose career began at WNBH in New Bedford, MA has won five Emmy Awards and was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004.Gorman perfectly balances his role as narrator, pace setter and straight man for the explosive personality of Heinsohn, his longtime partner. Gorman and Heinsohn are recognized as the longest running broadcast team in television sports history.

“I try be non-intrusive, hopefully adding to the viewing experience without interrupting it,” says Gorman, who has also called Connecticut Sun WNBA hoops. “A little humor every now and then helps, and knowing when to be quiet is all important. Play-by-play announcers who think they are the show are all too common these days.

“There are too many guys who are just trying to get on “SportsCenter.” Play-by-play is supposed to be spontaneous, not planned. With the possible exception of Keith Jackson on college football, I can’t think of ever tuning into a game just to hear the play-by-play guy.”

In addition to his legendary status as Celtics announcer, Gorman has also worked the Olympics for NBC. The 1992 Summer Games hold special meaning. “I got to spend a month in Barcelona with my wife Teri and our daughter Kristen (age 7 at the time). That was the year of the original basketball Dream Team with whom we spent a lot of time. As a family we still retell stories and adventures we had that month.”

With those memories safely tucked away, Gorman, in his 27th season of Celtics play-by-play, is now experiencing a new dream. “I was spoiled to walk right in with the 1980s Celtics. Those teams were very rare and now to have it happen again, I am ecstatic. People say that Allen and Garnett are old, but come on, we are not talking about Roger Clemens here. These guys have all come together at the perfect time.”Rising StarsTroy Aikman, Fox: Kudos to Aikman for giving credit to Bill Parcells for his role in revitalizing the Dallas Cowboys. Most of the mainstream media ignores the Tuna factor in Dallas because Parcells never bowed down to the press. Aikman’s assertion that Parcells’ keen eye for talent stacked this roster was long overdue.Frank Deford, HBO: If you haven’t seen Deford’s latest “Real Sports” story about an organ recipient and the family of a young donor who committed suicide, you might have missed the most heart wrenching feature story of the year. It is worth seeing, and seeing again.Andrea Kremer, NBC: Kremer continues to set the pace in sideline reporting on “Sunday Night Football.” She made the impossible a reality, actually getting detailed information on injuries to Patriots players during the game vs. the Eagles. Al Michaels should have brought back his old “Do you believe in miracles?” call.Falling StarsCris Carter, HBO: Carter is one of the most entertaining studio analysts on “Inside the NFL,” but he did a mild flip-flop recently. Earlier in the season, Carter said that the Patriots could go undefeated. Recently, he stated that the Steelers would be the AFC’s representative in the Super Bowl. So, which one is it, Cris?USA Today: Tuesday’s sports headline at USAToday.com read, “After close call vs. Eagles, Patriots are imperfect 11-0.” Huh? I had no idea that a three-point win relegated a team to imperfection. I guess we better revisit the 1972 Dolphins supposed perfect season. On October 22, 1972, they beat the lowly Bills (4-8-1 season record) by only one point in Miami. Cancel that champagne order, boys.Roger Goodell: The NFL commissioner has proven himself to be a heavy-handed despot when it comes to players toting guns or coaches taping opponents’ signals, but his inaction in getting the NFL Network on basic cable packages is embarrassing. Goodell wields enough power to get the greedy cable companies (Hello, Comcast and your $7.95 a month fee) to surrender a few bucks and allow fans to see his product without sacrificing college for their children.

A Conversation With Bryant Gumbel

by Bruce on November 21, 2007

Media Blitz Thanksgiving Special Edition:
A conversation with Bryant Gumbel

He has been panned for defending African American sports personalities and criticizing African American sports personalities. He has been chastised for being too outspoken and too reticent. Television maestro Bryant Gumbel spent 15 years (1982-97) as the cohost of NBC’s “Today” show, but his today centers around sports.

Since 1995, he has been the host of HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.” The Emmy-winning machine continues to set the pace in intelligent and enlightening sports talk and features.

Part of the fascination with “Real Sports” is Gumbel himself, who is as inscrutable as he is talented. Since bursting onto the national scene in 1975 as host of NBC’s NFL, MLB and NCAA basketball coverage, Gumbel has been a lightning rod for everyone from David Letterman to Dave Chappelle. Through all the public furor, Gumbel remains an intensely private man, eschewing personal interviews and the showbiz spotlight.

On Thanksgiving night, Gumbel begins his second season as play-by-play man for the NFL Network. Last week, Gumbel, who rarely agrees to one-on-one interviews, spoke candidly to Media Blitz about his life, career and sports in general.

“People who know me know that I rarely talk about what I do,” says the 59 year-old Gumbel. “I was raised that way. My dad (the late Richard Gumbel) was a judge. He was smarter that I am and a better person than I am. I’m just a guy on TV. I prefer to be a quiet person. I have friends who enjoy the limelight. I’d rather play golf everyday.”

Gumbel’s resistance to delve into his personal life is in stark contrast to his open discussion of his latest television chef-d’oeuvre. “I have never enjoyed or been more proud of a show ever.” The show he speaks of is “Real Sports,” Gumbel’s media Nirvana if you will. The HBO program combines the sobering reality of news with the gleeful escape of sports. Gumbel appears to be every bit the proud parent when his correspondents join him in studio after another groundbreaking feature.

“Sports are games, but they have a serious side, says Gumbel. “I laugh because for the reporters, the most intense thing we do is the interview after the story. They have no idea what I am going to ask them. I am just as curious as the viewer. We never rehearse the interview. On the rare occasion that we have to do a second take, I’ll change my questions. “Real Sports” is more of a dream job than “Today” ever was. I interviewed a zillion authors and ingénues. After a while it becomes the same.”

So, after a career that began at KNBC in Los Angeles in 1972, what attracts Gumbel to a potential subject? “There is a common thread in stories that interest me,” he states. “There is no massive principle, but what it comes down to is whether that story makes someone say, ‘Hmm, I didn’t know that.’ Television at its finest shows viewers something that they have not seen, tells them something they did not know, and takes them somewhere they have not been.”

Unlike most of today’s derivative media personalities and programs, for Gumbel, it comes down to originality. “You have to think about how much the viewer can learn from a story. Does it have a good central character? Some stories are better in video than in print. Others are great stories, but just not good for TV.”

“Real Sports” has made good TV a habit. The program has garnered 15 Sports Emmy Awards and the 2006 Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Award for broadcast journalism, the first such award for a sports program. Like the sports it covers, “Real Sports” comes down to teamwork.

Says Gumbel, “We have excellent production assistants on the show. They scour the small type in various periodicals looking for stories. There is also a great camaraderie among the correspondents and producers. It is not uncommon for one of our producers to show a story to his or her peers to get feedback. This is quite rare, but a regular part of our program. We want to look good in the eyes of our peers.”

“Real Sports” features such gifted correspondents as Frank Deford, Bernard Goldberg, James Brown, Andrea Kremer, Jon Frankel and Mary Carillo, all of whom seem perfect for their various assignments. Does the program develop stories to fit the reporter?

“It’s a great question,” says Gumbel, who also hits the field to cover various stories. “When a story comes up, we see who is available. Maybe Frank (Deford) or Bernie (Goldberg) is around, but maybe not. It would be nice to have the luxury of tailoring a story to a correspondent, but we don’t have that.”

One of the most remarkable dichotomies of Gumbel is his stance on television. This is a man who has lived in the medium since his early 20s, yet remains somewhat distanced from it. He explains, “I’ve never seen “Friends,” “Seinfeld,” “CSI,” or “American Idol.” I don’t watch TV. I watch sports because it has the things I like, drama and human interaction.”

Much of the criticism that Gumbel has engendered is due to his utter fearlessness and honesty. Today’s media is far too concerned with being liked by rich and powerful athletes. As silent as Gumbel may be in life, he shows no such reserve in his work.

In 1989, a memo criticizing some of his “Today” show colleagues was leaked to the public. While hosting the CBS “Early Show,” Gumbel’s disgust with a guest mistakenly went out over the airwaves. Gumbel again courted controversy in February of 2006 when, in his “Real Sports” commentary, he said of the Winter Olympics, “Count me among those who don’t care about them and won’t watch them … So try not to laugh when someone says these are the world’s greatest athletes, despite a paucity of blacks that makes the winter games look like a GOP convention.”

In August of 2006, Gumbel, directing his comments to new NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, offered these stinging words about NFL Players Union president and former Raiders’ lineman Gene Upshaw.

“Before he cleans out his office, have Paul Tagliabue show you where he keeps Gene Upshaw’s leash. By making the docile head of the players union his personal pet, your predecessor has kept the peace without giving players the kind of guarantees other pros take for granted. Try to make sure no one competent ever replaces Upshaw on your watch.”

At the time, then-Commissioner Paul Tagliabue stated, “What Gumbel said about Gene Upshaw and our owners is about as irresponsible as anything I’ve heard in a long time.”

The fact is that Gumbel was correct in his assessment of Upshaw. More than a year later, he stands by his words. “I know Gene to only say hello,” says Gumbel. “It was not a personal stab and I was not out to get him. There was no sabotage here. I just think he is a bad choice for the job he is doing.

“He gets a pass, but he is doing a bad job for his constituents. I have no personal vendetta against Gene. You would have been shocked at the number of calls of support I got from players. They thanked me. The problems of the NFL Players’ Association were hidden. Now, they are on the front burner. I hope that one day, the Players Association realizes that they can easily do better without Gene Upshaw.”

Despite an openness to take on sports’ giants, Gumbel does not tread casually into such dangerous territory. “I agonized over saying what I said about Gene, and whether I was saying more than I should. I don’t want to say something that can hurt someone personally. That is not proper.”

On a recent edition of “Real Sports,” correspondent James Brown interviewed Eagles’ quarterback Donovan McNabb. In the interview, McNabb stated that he feels that African-American quarterbacks are judged differently than their white counterparts. The statement incurred the wrath of media types everywhere.

Fox’s Terry Bradshaw dismissed McNabb’s feelings saying that McNabb needed some love. Barry Switzer, also a Fox analyst, implied that McNabb was degrading black quarterbacks who struggled before him. Gumbel’s response to the criticism is pointed.

“That bothers the hell out of me,” he states. “Look, we are all free to criticize the play of Donovan McNabb or how he deals with the media. We are not qualified to say what he feels about prejudice. I don’t care for George Bush and I am free to say that I don’t like his politics. I am not free to say what George Bush feels. You cannot go there. People like to sit there and judge.

“After McNabb’s comments, people said that a guy like Rex Grossman has gotten more criticism. ‘McNabb played the race card,’ they said. Well, there are many people who feel victimized by race a thousand times and say nothing. It is silly to think that you are in a position to critique someone’s feelings. It would be like me criticizing a woman who was raped. Do I in any way know what she felt?”

Gumbel has been the subject of parody by African American comedians, mostly for his professorial look and fastidious nature, but the outward conservatism belies the racial activist within. Gumbel has been honored by the United Negro College Fund, the Congress of Racial Equality, the NAACP and the African-American Institute. He has been a champion for racial equality and has never hidden behind his cushy and lucrative broadcast gigs. He recognizes that race is a factor in sports and embraces discourse on it.

“Race comes up a lot and money exacerbates things,” says Gumbel, who was born in New Orleans, raised in Chicago and graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, ME. “People see a black athlete making a lot of money and say, ‘I’m making $25.00 an hour at the plant. I don’t want to hear you bitch.’ The divide has grown.

“Many people are jealous, and many rich athletes are completely out of touch. I got a lot of flack for saying that I don’t watch the Winter Olympics because there are few black athletes. McNabb addressed the controversy. Most people are afraid to say the word race.”

While many media pundits make judgments based on race, others judge athletes based on their media friendliness. “That is 1000% right,” says Gumbel. “We define people as good or bad based on how they treat us. If an athlete is mean, we assume he goes home and beats his wife. Unless we stay with these guys in a number of different environments, we really don’t know. If an athlete is approachable, he’s great. If an athlete does not speak to the media, he’s an a—ole.”

A good example of one current athlete who has been judged and misjudged by the media is Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss. Gumbel profiled Moss in his rookie season with Minnesota and again when he joined the Raiders two years ago. Between mooning fans in Green Bay and publicly stating that he used marijuana, Moss became an easy target for critics.

In a recent “Real Sports” commentary, Gumbel said of Moss, “He’s happy. He’s productive. He’s professional and despite reports of his premature burial, he’s suddenly seen as a good guy.

“The Randy turnaround says a lot about the man. But the public’s view of him says even more about the perspective of fans and media people alike. In a world where every and anybody wants to have a say, and pretend they’re an image-maker, it’s a reminder of a plain and simple football truth that applies to both players and coaches. That if you lose, fans and media types can’t help you…and if you win, they can’t hurt you.”

Gumbel further expounds on the fickle nature of critics. “We complain about guys giving cookie cutter answers to questions, and then there is outrage when someone speaks his mind. Vijay Singh took a lot of heat when (in 2003) he said that Annika Sorenstam should have to qualify to play in men’s competitions. A guy like Derek Jeter says nothing, so we’ll never know how he feels.”

While Gumbel recognizes that PGA superstar Tiger Woods makes himself available to the media, he wishes that the substance of this availability would be a bit more substantial. “I do find it sad that in an era where athletes are our most recognizable and admired role models, we come upon a presidential election and we have no idea whom they support.

“Kurt Warner spoke publicly about a religious issue (stem cell research) in Missouri. I may not agree with him, but at least he is involved. It’s hard to find a single athlete who’ll say one word about who should be president. I admire people who show that they are part of the world in which they live as opposed to those who don’t realize and don’t care about the influence they wield.”

Speaking of issues, Gumbel’s views on the celebrated Spygate scandal and the Patriots supposed running up the score are pointed. He states, “I compare Spygate to Watergate. With Watergate, a lot of people said, ‘Oh well, every president probably did it. Nixon was the one who got caught.’ Belichick got caught and this will stay with him forever.

“Belichick is not friendly to the media. If he were more approachable, he might be given a pass. I’m surprised that Roger Goodell stopped investigating. It is not consistent with what he has been doing with other rules violations. As for running up the score, I am not sure if there is any truth to that or if it even matters. I do have concern that in retaliation, someone might beat the crap out of Tom Brady on the field.”

A recent “Real Sports” featured a gruesomely graphic story on the abuse and violence inherent in dog fighting rings similar to the one that has put Falcons’ quarterback Michael Vick in prison. While Gumbel believes that Vick should be punished, he also believes that there is some overkill.

“I was going to do a commentary about this,” he states. “I think people are now piling on Michael Vick. He lost millions of dollars, his reputation and his livelihood. He has to piss in a cup with regularity and was in home confinement. He is paying the price for what he did. No one loves dogs more than I do. My dogs Archie and Cujo hate Michael Vick and would like to see him punished, but there is a limit.”

Gumbel continues to blaze an important and unique trail in his work. Those who persist in criticizing his personal and professional life are missing the larger picture. In a media lot littered with wannabes and boot lickers, Gumbel stands, all to often alone, as an example of defiant, yet refined, passion. He angers a lot of people and is conversely riled by the unaware.

“I guess ignorance in action gets me angry,” says Gumbel. “People who say stupid things on the air and then wonder why they catch flack for it. Talk radio is the worst thing to happen to sports. I get aggravated at people who use horrible grammar and terrible English. They seem proud of not knowing what a word means. Why be proud of something you don’t know?

“There is an inherent ignorance in their approach and response. It’s all about being louder than the next guy. I was raised by a conservative dad. He always said that the loudest guy is the weakest guy.”

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Writers’ strike cuts episodes of Caliendo’s “Frank TV”

by Bruce on November 14, 2007

“Frank TV,” the new TBS late night program featuring the immense talents of comedian and impressionist Frank Caliendo has been cut from eight episodes to five due to the ongoing television writers’ strike.

“I was supposed to Letterman and Conan in the next couple of weeks, but I’m not sure what’s going to happen with all of that because of the strike,” says Caliendo, who will continue his always terrific picks segments on Fox’s “NFL Sunday” pregame show.

“The strike did cut our episodes down to five instead of the eight that (TBS) ordered, so we have been greatly affected.” Last Monday, about 12,000 members of the Writers Guild of America went on strike largely over issues related to new media fees.

Despite the strike, “Frank TV” promises to be a huge success, mainly because of the incredible talents of its star. Says Caliendo, “The show is a sketch show based on my standup.

“I’ll be setting up sketches with some background for the audience and sometimes making an observation about an actor, and then showing how that observation can be applied in a situation. For example, Al Pacino always yells in movies, so it would be great to see what he would do if he had to play a librarian.”

“Frank TV” premieres Tuesday, November 20, at 11:00 p.m. on TBS. On Friday, November 16 at 10:00 p.m., TBS will air a one-hour stand-up special “Frank Caliendo: All Over The Place” from Las Vegas.

A veteran standup comic, Caliendo joined the cast of Fox’s “MADtv” in 2001 and has appeared on Comedy Central, “The View” and a host of late night talk shows. Still, it is his work on Fox’s NFL pregame fare that has catapulted the 33 year-old comedian to comedic fame. His John Madden impression, among others, has become a classic. Caliendo will continue his Fox work through the 2008 season.

“Fox has brought me to another level in the entertainment industry,” explains Caliendo. “Just being associated with guys like Terry (Bradshaw), Howie (Long) and Jimmy (Johnson) has made my name grow.”

Whether it’s a pro like Caliendo or your buddy at the local tavern, the ability to do impressions continues to amuse and amaze audiences. So, is it a natural gift, the result of a good ear, or a product of endless practice?

Caliendo responds, “Some of it is natural and there’s a lot of practice that goes into it as well. There’s no set process. For me, it’s lots of observation and just reacting and mimicking. When I look at someone, it’s almost like I’m looking in a mirror and doing the same thing the other person is doing. I hear things and see things that the average person might miss. My brain just breaks people down.”

The process of breaking down a voice may or may not lead to success. “It’s always different,” says Caliendo, who was born in Chicago and raised in Milwaukee. “The keys are the pitch of the voice, cadence and the person’s dialect. If you get one of those, people probably might start to recognize it. If you get two, lots of people will probably get it, and if you hit all three, that’s when you have a dead on impression.”

Caliendo learned from an impressive host of comedic influences. “I loved Dana Carvey and Phil Hartman,” he relates. “I’m a huge Jim Carrey fan, but I loved Robin Williams and Jonathan Winters the most as a kid. I love the tangents they went on. That was my style of humor, and I just used the impressions the same way they did kooky characters.”

Caliendo’s most “dead on” impression is John Madden, the famed NBC “Sunday Night Football” broadcaster. It is right up there in the pantheon of great impressions with Billy Crystal’s Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dana Carvey’s George Bush, Sr.

A friend of mine, Phil Tag, told me that I should do it years and years ago. I stupidly said, ‘Where will that get me?’ I did work on it and got it. I try to do it less on TV nowadays, but people in TV, like David Letterman, ask me to do it more and more. It’s still fun for me and people recognize me because of it, so I think that’s pretty cool.”

The best part of Caliendo’s Madden impression is his relentless references to a certain Packers’ quarterback with whom the real Madden is enamored. “Brett Favre is the most fun to say. I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s because he says it so much in real life, but it’s just the perfect sounding name for Madden to say.”

TBS promoted the heck out of “Frank TV” during its MLB postseason with quick promos and a tour de force of impressions. It is clear that John Madden is not the lone horse in Caliendo’s sports stable. He states, “I do Bill Walton, Marv Albert, Charles Barkley and Jim Rome. Sports has always been a big part of my life.

“My dad was a minor league infielder with the White Sox in the 1960s and I loved playing sports as a kid. We won the AAU National 14 and under Baseball Championships in 1988. I just never had the arm to go on to the next level. I was going to play in college (at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), but decided that it would be better for me to study instead.”

Late night shows like “MADtv” allow Caliendo to push the comedic envelope. His work on Fox is a bit more limited. “It’s fairly strict,” says Caliendo, who grew up a Brewers, Packers and Bears fan.

“We’re on Sunday mornings, so we have to be careful. We can make fun of the studio guys pretty much any way we want. We just don’t like to mess with their families, other than Terry’s ex-wives. It’s silly humor, not meant in a mean way at all.”

Like it or not, we live in a society of racial tension. One of Caliendo’s latest impressions is of ex-NBA star and TNT analyst Charles Barkley. Given these seemingly sensitive times in which we live, is Caliendo afraid of backlash from doing an impression of someone from a different ethnic or racial background?

“I’m scared to death,” he replies. “But I don’t do it to be negative. I did Barkley on the show, and I did JB (ex-Fox and current CBS NFL studio host James Brown). Some people get mad, but JB liked it and even gave me the permission to do it.

“I think of people as being equal, even though I understand there’s history that limits what I would ever do. I’m very careful. It’s not a race thing when I do a character who isn’t white. It’s about that specific person. They do Jesse Jackson with Darrell Hammond over at SNL (NBC’s “Saturday Night Live”) and nobody says anything. It’s really about being respectful.”

When “Frank TV” premieres on November 20 at 11:00 p.m. on TBS, viewers can look forward to hilarious impressions and comedic takes on some of Caliendo’s favorite characters including Pacino, Robin Williams, President Bush and Barkley. TBS will continue to pump up the program using show segments. Check out clips at frankcaliendo.com and TBS.com.

Says Caliendo, “They’ll probably use some stuff from the show because there is no new stuff being shot for promos. They’re going to do some sneak peaks pretty soon, which should be cool. I’ll be all over the radio in the next couple weeks.”

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