Kornheiser to Join ESPN's 'Monday Night Football' (MERGED)

[Buford]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/08/AR2006020800590.html


Kornheiser to Join ESPN's 'Monday Night Football'



The Washington Post
Wednesday, February 8, 2006; 8:30 AM


Washington Post columnist Tony Kornheiser will be joining the ESPN broadcast booth for "Monday Night Football" next season, a network source said late last night.

Kornheiser will serve as a color commentator in what is expected to be a three-man booth for the NFL staple, which is moving from Disney-owned ABC to Disney-owned ESPN starting next fall. Network speculation has revolved around longtime ESPN play-by-play man Mike Tirico and former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann joining Kornheiser in the booth.

Terms of the deal were unavailable. An ESPN announcement is expected today.

Kornheiser is expected to continue on ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption" with fellow Post columnist Mike Wilbon, with the weekday show being aired live on Mondays from the site of that night's NFL game.

Emilio Garcia-Ruiz, The Post's assistant managing editor for sports, expressed optimism last night that Kornheiser's career at the paper would continue.

"We're happy for Tony," Garcia-Ruiz said. "But we still want him to continue to work for the paper. That's what's best for us and for our readers."

[Buford]

Oh yeah, I think this is rad. Now get Riggo in there, and we'd be laughing for the whole game....especially if its a stinker.

[jschlesi]

Congrats to Tony-- I hope he makes MNF a happening again and must see TV.

[RedskinsNation]

What a joke.....Tony K????

My dog knows as much about sports as this DOPE.

U thought Miller was bad....Korny is going to make him look like Howard Cosell.

[TheGreek1973]

I think TonyK will do a nice job. But for the life of me I don't understand why Riggo hasn't gotten the gig. Here is a guy that not only he is a HOFmer, SB-MVP, and knows football but has some of the most off the wall comments that actually make sense at the moment he delivers them. It has got to be his past reputation but man Riggo would be awesom in there with JT and TonyK.

[Macd36]

not too sure about this .. hmm maybe get Dandy Don back LOL

[EvoSkins]

I hope he keeps his daily radio show on WTEM. I knew he would not take the Snyder job because he would have to give up writing for the Post.

[SkinsFTW]

This guy is a joke. Why?

He's probably better than some of the obvious alternatives but they could have surely done better.

[themurf]

With Tony on board, I believe his first act will be to attempt to move the games to a 6 p.m. ET start time. There's no way he stays awake for games in their current time slot.

[ComebackKing]

With Tony on board, I believe his first act will be to attempt to move the games to a 6 p.m. ET start time. There's no way he stays awake for games in their current time slot. Sad but true! :doh:

[CooleyNaMean]

Anyones better than Dennis Miller.

[gridironmike]

Mike Tirico will do play by play. It is on ESPN Radio (Mike & Mike) as I type. Tirico, Theismann, and Kornheiser.

[painfulyetloyal]

Mike and Mike in the morning just announced that, you guessed it, Mike Tirico, Joe Theisman and Tony Kornheiser will do Monday Night Football. Let the bashings begin.

[flexxskins]

You're joking, right?

[RabidFan]

As long as NO former Cowboys make it, I'll take anyone.

[Goaldeje]

link? I don't even see anything on ESPN? :whoknows:

[gridironmike]

It IS on Mike & Mike, but you're going to get merged!!!

[painfulyetloyal]

Theres actually another thread on this topic with a link just below. My bad.

[skinfan2k]

are you kidding me? tony will not be able to watch 24 during the games. oops i forget 24 starts in january.. im pretty sure this is the reason why he took the job cuz it does not interfere with his love for jack bauer.

[GoSkinsGo]

How is he going to stay awake for the entire game? Is he going to start taking No-Doze?

[pjmjr123]

Tony K. all up in the cut.

[Henry]

Tony will be fine. Like Miller, he's witty and can think on his feet. Unlike Miller, he's a sports guy and actually has a clue.

[SC3]

Congrats to Tony K. I hope he does well.

[Thanos]

I've followed Tony from Day 1 when he stated out bombing on the WTEM.
Not sure how his act will do on "play by play".Congrats

[MVPWilliams17]

I've followed Tony from Day 1 when he stated out bombing on the WTEM.
Not sure how his act will do on "play by play".Congrats

He's going to be the color commentator with Theisman. Tirico is the play-by-play man.

[Gusthecat]

I waited 30 years to see Maryland win the NCAA and had to do it with Billy Packer in the background talking incessantly entire second half about Maryland awful point guard—Davis. Now do I have to listen to Tony talk (about his career, what movie he saw last night and what a neat school his kids go to) in the Redskins Super Bowl year? No! We have Sonny and Sam!

[budski]

I think Tony will be good to offset Joe and his rambling.

[Grimm]

Did Kornheiser say anything about this on his show?

[ChiefPowhatan17]

Tony, that's crazy he doesn't know enough about the sport to be a play by play guy.

[ccsl2]

Tony will be fine. Like Miller, he's witty and can think on his feet. Unlike Miller, he's a sports guy and actually has a clue.

Totally agree...IMO I think TK should have been hired over Miller the first go 'round...I couldn't understand Miller and his analogies at all...I have never gotten why this guy is funny...GO TK!

[pseto]

This sucks. Why Tony Kornball? He does say some funny things every once in a while, but his knowledge of the game is awful. Won't last more than a year, just like Dennis Miller. This will be another failed experiment.


Next time, why not choose Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, or Roseann!!!! They know just as much as Kornhoser.

[HailYeah]

Andy Polin said, "When asked about MNF Krnheiser had this to say" Tony: "This is going to ruin my life."

[HailYeah]

He will be better than Dennis Miller. Hopefully it wont be a flop.

[Tastes Like Chicken]

Tony is entertaining, quick-witted and funny. I think I'll turn off the video and just listen to the commentary from now on.

[ccsl2]

This sucks. Why Tony Kornball? He does say some funny things every once in a while, but his knowledge of the game is awful. Won't last more than a year, just like Dennis Miller. This will be another failed experiment.


Next time, why not choose Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, or Roseann!!!! They know just as much as Kornhoser.

Yeah OK...he knows more about football then Miller...Besides, that is what Joe T. is there for, football expertise...Tony is there to add in funny lines and speak on the game every now nd then...He will be funnier than Miller by a long shot...that is not hard to do actually.

[ccsl2]

Tony, that's crazy he doesn't know enough about the sport to be a play by play guy.


Tirico is doing play by play, not TK.

[waterwagen]

I think TonyK will do a nice job. But for the life of me I don't understand why Riggo hasn't gotten the gig. Here is a guy that not only he is a HOFmer, SB-MVP, and knows football but has some of the most off the wall comments that actually make sense at the moment he delivers them. It has got to be his past reputation but man Riggo would be awesom in there with JT and TonyK.Would be awesome, but maybe that would be too many former Redskins in the booth for the powers that be at ESPN. Of course, it would help balance the infestation of Cowgirls on Fox.

[GrimReefa]

I think this will be great. They just need to get Riggo and there and the booth will be singing "Hail to the Redskins" every week...

All you guys saying the Redskins don't get enough love from the press - well, we'll get plenty on MNF from now on.

[waterwagen]

Oh yeah, I think this is rad. Now get Riggo in there, and we'd be laughing for the whole game....especially if its a stinker.COMPLETELY off topic, but, Bufford your sig ROCKS!!! www.chronicofnarnia.com :D

[Spaceman Spiff]

Leave it to espn to totally **** up a good thing. Way to go *******s, you just ruined an american institution.

[Grimm]

This is awesome, I can't wait for him to get pissed off at something nd just go off on a rant, should be entertaining

[airborneskins]

Ratings will be down anyway. Why would MNF on ESPN be a good idea? :doh:
Good luck to TK. Hopefully it will work out for him.

[Major Harris]

between tk and joeyt, i feel bad for mike tirico. will he get to say ANYTHING?

note to espn: a guy who interrupts his own guests on his radio show on a consistent basis may not make a real good booth buddy.

[whlinder]

They couldn't get J.B. instead of Tirico?

Then we could have had 3 Redskins homers in the booth.

[fight_on_til_you_have_won]

Has Kornheiser ever been in a booth? Forgive me if that's an ignorant question.

I like Mike Tirico -- I think he brings a lot of enthusiasm to the booth that most commentators don't bring. They're too busy being impartial to just enjoy the game that they're watching.

What I'm sad about is the departure of Mike Patrick. He's easily my favorite announcer and is great at football, basketball AND hockey. Are you kidding? Holy cow!

[fansince62]

"This guy is a joke. Why?"

he's an entertainer....not a sports analyst.....unless, of course, that's what you want.

"Tony will be fine. Like Miller, he's witty and can think on his feet. Unlike Miller, he's a sports guy and actually has a clue."

totally disagree. TK is rather like Entertainment Tonight for Sports. It's all mindless twatter intended to convince us how clever (usually not) he can be without any real substance. not only that...but he doesn't really seem to have a screen presence to me. the cutesy stuff (good night Canada) won't fly during a 3 hour broadcast. btw....what the *ell does Wilbon's TV viewing habits have to do with Sports! talk about filling in the gaps!!!!

[photo4u]

I haven't read the whole three pages of this thread so I'm not sure if anyone has asked, but is NBC having Sunday night games????

[Bang]

Something tells me this is going to be just awful...which for me is good.

I better get to work on my Tony voice.

~Bang

[RedskinsNation]

Tony, that's crazy he doesn't know enough about the sport to be a play by play guy.

I couldnt have said it any better.

But to clarify...he knows jack about sports in general.

[fansince62]

"P.S. Can't help thinking how cool it would be if they used Wilbon as the sideline reporter instead that dippy Suzy gal."

why? all game long we'ld have to listen to him opine how rascist NFL policies are responsible for the limited numbers of minority water boys on the sidelines.

[pseto]

Well, the good thing out of all of this is that maybe we'll get REAL sportstalk radio from 9am-1pm now on 980!!!!

Kornhole said that he won't do radio. Thank god!!!

[bcl05]

Tirico is pretty solid. He'll be just fine.

Tony will be good - I think. Mainly because we've all seen Dennis Miller crash and burn, badly. Tony will be very careful to prepare and stick close to football to avoid Dennis comparisons. If Dennis Miller hadn't come before, I'd have been more worried.

My biggest worry is Theisman. While I love what he did for the Skins, I just can't stand him as a broadcaster. We'll see...

[frommd]

I haven't read the whole three pages of this thread so I'm not sure if anyone has asked, but is NBC having Sunday night games????

ABC and ESPN flip-flopped schedules. ABC has Sunday Night, and ESPN is doing Monday Nights. Also, no more Sunday Night Prime Time on ESPN. NBC is going to be having games on Thursday's I believe.

[photo4u]

ABC and ESPN flip-flopped schedules. ABC has Sunday Night, and ESPN is doing Monday Nights. Also, no more Sunday Night Prime Time on ESPN. NBC is going to be having games on Thursday's I believe.



Thanks a lot for the info.

[RedskinsNation]

"This guy is a joke. Why?"

he's an entertainer....not a sports analyst.....unless, of course, that's what you want.

"Tony will be fine. Like Miller, he's witty and can think on his feet. Unlike Miller, he's a sports guy and actually has a clue."

totally disagree. TK is rather like Entertainment Tonight for Sports. It's all mindless twatter intended to convince us how clever (usually not) he can be without any real substance. not only that...but he doesn't really seem to have a screen presence to me. the cutesy stuff (good night Canada) won't fly during a 3 hour broadcast. btw....what the *ell does Wilbon's TV viewing habits have to do with Sports! talk about filling in the gaps!!!!

Bang, Zoom, Zip.

As for Hometown Tony LOL....someone remind someone who thinks this guy is local. He is an angry New Yorker stuck in DCLand. Wilbon a testy Chicagoan stuck here as well....these two are anything but local.

But when Korndog stinks it up everyone is gonna think DC is a joke of a sports town because Korny "represents" DC as a writer for the Post.

Whats next Czaben on the sidelines???

How about Andy Pollie in the locker room doing postgame interviews!!!!

The 3 stooges together forever!!! :D

[cphil006]

but will he still do PTI with Michael Wilbon?

That is my main concern.

[fight_on_til_you_have_won]

Can't help thinking how cool it would be if they used Wilbon as the sideline reporter instead that dippy Suzy gal.

It really bugs me the way she says the word "team." She actually says tee-um. Listen for it.

[ccsl2]

"This guy is a joke. Why?"

he's an entertainer....not a sports analyst.....unless, of course, that's what you want.

"Tony will be fine. Like Miller, he's witty and can think on his feet. Unlike Miller, he's a sports guy and actually has a clue."

totally disagree. TK is rather like Entertainment Tonight for Sports. It's all mindless twatter intended to convince us how clever (usually not) he can be without any real substance. not only that...but he doesn't really seem to have a screen presence to me. the cutesy stuff (good night Canada) won't fly during a 3 hour broadcast. btw....what the *ell does Wilbon's TV viewing habits have to do with Sports! talk about filling in the gaps!!!!



It does not take rocket science to comment on a football game...people are acting like TK is the only one in the booth and he is doing play by play and color commentary all at the same time....RELAX people...I think you will all survive.

[bmw2301]

He should do a good job, I like ol Tony.

[Oldskool]

So much for ever watching this show with the sound on.

Kornhole annoys me to no end.

[fansince62]

"It does not take rocket science to comment on a football game...people are acting like TK is the only one in the booth and he is doing play by play and color commentary all at the same time....RELAX people...I think you will all survive."

it was a subjective question. you are free to munge on any pap you like!

[frommd]

I think Monday Night Football has been going down the tubes for years. The move to ESPN will eventually be the final nail in the coffin. That is, unless Stu "dog" Scott can save it.
:rolleyes: :doh: :puke:

[bryceb07]

Does this mean no more PTI?

[Hogskin1]

Why all the comments about a lack of knowledge of the sport by Tony K??? He is MUCH MUCH more knowledgable than Howard Cossell was when he started on MNF. And Tony is set up to fill the same role as Cossell. Tony will be GREAT at it. This is a team that looks like it could really mesh. That mess that Joe T. was with the past few years was an embarrassment. Really looking forward to this new MNF team!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ccsl2]

it was a subjective question. you are free to munge on any pap you like!

Ummm OK

[pseto]

Does this mean no more PTI?

I hope so. I hate that show and Kornhole!

[ccsl2]

Does this mean no more PTI?

No they will still do PTI...the mondays of the games will be live at the site.

[IowaSkin]

Wow. Did anybody see this coming? I have no idea how to feel about this. We'll just have to wait until preseason to find out.

(Do you think they put these three guys in a booth and televise an old game so they can "practice"?)

[raperry2]

As long as NO former Cowboys make it, I'll take anyone.

why? aikman is one of fox's better reporters. the best in my opinion.

[Kosher Ham]

I think some of you forget that Tony left radio before.

This time with this type of job will be completely different. I cant imagine that he will be on the radio morning show anymore.

As far as PTI, it has already been reported that Tony and Mike will do PTI from the site of the MNF game.

[Dirk Diggler]

If Kornheiser will be anything like Norman Chad for the WSOP, then I think it's a great move. Unfortunately, Theismann is so clearly the most irritating human being in sports television history that I won't be enjoying the broadcast no matter who is in the both.

Who can ever forget his comment during the Jets game about how Jim Haslett (2-9 at the time) should be coach of the year? I think it's an ESPN thing, the more loud, stupid, and obnoxious you are (see Michael Irvin) the longer you will be employed.

TK and MT = good
JT = please retire

[raperry2]

Is everyone a Tony-hater? Stand up Tony fans! Who is with me?! Jeez, I'm sick of everyone hating Kornheiser. If you hate him, then there is basically no hope for you to like any commentators. Give the guy a chance and stop complaining before he even gives you anything to complain about.

[TD Riggo]

Well then .. the ONLY way I'm watching MNF is with the TV audio turned off! I can't stand TK!!

[justme]

ABC and ESPN flip-flopped schedules. ABC has Sunday Night, and ESPN is doing Monday Nights. Also, no more Sunday Night Prime Time on ESPN. NBC is going to be having games on Thursday's I believe.

No offense but this totally wrong. NBC will air the Sunday night games and feature the premiere match-up of the weekend...for example Steelers/Colts rematch. ESPN will move to Monday nights and feature the same sort of middle of the road match-ups they've always had...for example Cards/Niners live from Mexico :doh: Later in the season, the NFL Network will air 5 or 6 games on Thursdays and Saturdays, including a third Thnxgiving game. ABC is now out of the business of football.

[ccsl2]

Is everyone a Tony-hater? Stand up Tony fans! Who is with me?! Jeez, I'm sick of everyone hating Kornheiser. If you hate him, then there is basically no hope for you to like very man commentators. Give the guy a chance and stop complaining before he even gives you anything to complain about.

I am with you!

He is on one of the best shows on TV and all of a sudden he doesn't know anything about sports. Come on now.

[Heidenreich]

I like Tony. I don't care for Tirico. He gets too excited & high pitched. I have trouble watching college football games when he's calling them.

[Om]

Tirico runs a tight ship on play-by-play, and Theismann's never at a loss for words on analysis and a bit of color. They're both experienced and professional and will find a way to take advantage of the contributions of a sharp and sarcastic Tony Kornheiser.

And anyway, could be any worse than, say, Paul McGuire?

My guess is Tony will struggle a bit to find his niche/rhythm at first, but that once he settles in he'll do just fine. Unlike Dennis Miller, he won't try too hard to show off how smart and hip he is right off the bat, or pretend to be a "football guy" as Miller seemed to feel the need to do, and will be generally self-deprecating and add a unique flavor.

If there's one thing Tony K. has in spades, it's the ability to laugh at himself while laughing along with (and at) everybody else.

I'm interested to see how it goes.

[justme]

So I gather Al Michaels is currently out of work?

[ccsl2]

Tirico runs a tight ship on play-by-play, and Theismann's never at a loss for words on analysis and a bit of color. They're both experienced and professional and will find a way to take advantage of the contributions of a sharp and sarcastic Tony Kornheiser.

And anyway, could be any worse than, say, Paul McGuire?

My guess is Tony will struggle a bit to find his niche/rhythm at first, but that once he settles in he'll do just fine. Unlike Dennis Miller, he won't try too hard to show off how smart and hip he is right off the bat, or pretend to be a "football guy" as Miller seemed to feel the need to do, and will be generally self-deprecating and add a unique flavor.

If there's one thing Tony K. has in spades, it's the ability to laugh at himself while laughing along with (and at) everybody else.

I'm interested to see how it goes.

:applause: :applause:

OM, please school these TK haters in here!

[Taylor 36]

Something tells me this is going to be just awful...which for me is good.

I better get to work on my Tony voice.

~Bang

Just do a lot of raspy screaming with a hint of a Brooklyn accent. Oh, and add in a few "NEXT," at the ends of some of the statements. :laugh: You'll do great!!!

[ccsl2]

So I gather Al Michaels is currently out of work?


No he will be in the booth with Madden doing football on NBC.

[TD Riggo]

Michaels did a MAJOR about face then, because as of December he had turned down the NBC offer stating that it "just wouldn't feel right" doing Sundays and on another network.

[skinstzar]

I find TK very amuzing. I know a lot of people don't but that is what makes this world great. Choices, choices.

[justme]

No he will be in the booth with Madden doing football on NBC.

I've heard that's what they are trying to do but he's not contracted...

[twenty-eight]

Hes going to have his own bus just like madden!

[RDSKNfaithfull]

Sounds good to me TK will be fine the weakest link is Joey T. In this group without Paul Joey may step it up though. :cheers:

[PleaseBlitz]

Heres the link from the Post.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/08/AR2006020800590.html

I guess its an upgrade over Paul "I was a kicker" McGuire, the king of hindsight for that crew, but still, TK is going to suck. What is the over/under on references to him being up late during the first broadcast? Im going to say 6.

And if he and Theisman get into a PTI style shouting match every quarter, i'll puke.

[TerpsEagles]

OM, I'm with you... I think it's got a decent shot to be pretty entertaining.

[PleaseBlitz]

Well, the good thing out of all of this is that maybe we'll get REAL sportstalk radio from 9am-1pm now on 980!!!!

Kornhole said that he won't do radio. Thank god!!!


:applause:


His radio show is NOT about sports. That is the best thing that will come out of this. TK is going to embarrass himself.

[fight_on_til_you_have_won]

Let's get Madden and Summerall back together on NBC. It'll be like your two old crazy grandpas. :D

[Ramsey11]

I don't see how this could possibly be any worse than having Dennis Miller do it. That was just plain horrible! When he was in the booth a couple of seasons ago, I remember that the Tuesday mornings after games, ABC's website was updated to show explanations of Miller's remarks/jokes/anectdotes from the previous night. It was bad that the comments and remarks were scripted, and even worse that they had to be translated the following day.

[f_trizzy]

Just one more reason Sunday Night Football will surpass MNF.
I have no beef with Joey T but Tirico and his overkill announcing style will get sickening and while I like Tony I don't think this will be much more than Dennis Miller and probably will last just as long.
I can hear it now:
Tony K: Good Night Canada.
Tirico: Tony just said good night Canada!!!!! Unbelievable!!! The best sign off I've ever heard in my life!!!!!! Unbelievable!!!!!!

[stwasm]

Maybe if he had his own light-hearted feature -- similar to his columns -- it would work. But, yeah, when I think of a vast array of football knowledge, the name Tony Kornheiser does NOT come to my mind. In my opinion, he'd be taking up space in the booth.

[dreamshatterer]

I think it will be alright. At least all "sports fans" know who Tony K. is unlike "Mr. Not Funny At All" Dennis Miller. So there will be a connection with the sports fans right off the bat.

[BlackOps]

Who cares?
This just means for any skins MNF games we have two guys on our side. No matter how hard you try, you still show an edge to your team.

[BleedinBurgundyandGold]

i haven't seen this mentioned.....personally i would prefer wilbon to TK 100 times out of 100.

[McMetal]

I would think that putrid abyss of a show with Jason Alexander would have been his death knell with the prime-time networks, but oh well.

Like many Redskins fans, I feel like his act has grown weak and tiresome over time. He's become a character, smug, curmudgeonly, occasionally funny, but lacking any true respect or appreciation for sports in general. Do we need guys like that announcing games? Wait til the first Skins' game - he will have plenty of jokes ready but little, if anything, of insight to offer whatsoever, and certainly nothing positive.

Bandwagon, my arse...

[Jimbo]

I think Mike Tirico is one of the most underrated announcers around. Yes, I will dearly miss Al Michaels but I always liked the Sunday Night ESPN crew with Mike Patrick doing play by play and I know Mike Tirico and Joey T will work hard to make a fine team and will work equally hard to give Tony his shot.

[mcfara]

Maybe if he had his own light-hearted feature -- similar to his columns -- it would work. But, yeah, when I think of a vast array of football knowledge, the name Tony Kornheiser does NOT come to my mind. In my opinion, he'd be taking up space in the booth.

exactly - how about getting people who actually have football knowledge in the booth! thiesman is mediocre at best, tirico is best suited sticking with the excitement of college football, and kornhole isn't any better of a choice than d.miller was.

:gaintsuck

[BleedinBurgundyandGold]

I think Mike Tirico is one of the most underrated announcers around. Yes, I will dearly miss Al Michaels but I always liked the Sunday Night ESPN crew with Mike Patrick doing play by play and I know Mike Tirico and Joey T will work hard to make a fine team and will work equally hard to give Tony his shot.

completely agree about tirico

[BleedinBurgundyandGold]

is this the end of pti btw?

[ccsl2]

exactly - how about getting people who actually have football knowledge in the booth! thiesman is mediocre at best, tirico is best suited sticking with the excitement of college football, and kornhole isn't any better of a choice than d.miller was.

:gaintsuck



Joe. T is not enough knowledge for you? I mean he only played football for, oh I don't know, ALL HIS LIFE!!!

Kornheiser is not there to "kick football knowledge". If ESPN really wanted a booth ful of football "experts", they would have put Jaws and Merrill Hodge in the booth...but here's the problem, they couldn't captivate an audience of dogs.

[photo4u]

No offense but this totally wrong. NBC will air the Sunday night games and feature the premiere match-up of the weekend...for example Steelers/Colts rematch. ESPN will move to Monday nights and feature the same sort of middle of the road match-ups they've always had...for example Cards/Niners live from Mexico :doh: Later in the season, the NFL Network will air 5 or 6 games on Thursdays and Saturdays, including a third Thnxgiving game. ABC is now out of the business of football.



Your right, I just read it in the Washington Post.
Thanks.

[ccsl2]

it is amazing how many people hate TK and his shows, but know so much about how supposedly "bad" they are.

[tvo14]

Al Micheals is gone from MNF? That will be the biggest difference, he has been the mainstay and anchor of MNF for a long time. I like Tirico's style though. Very smooth, very professional.
Is Madden going back to FOX?

[cfujskins]

I find Kornheiser highly entertaining. But I just can't see him calling a football game. I just can't.

[endzone_dave]

I think the toughest part for Tony will be going 3-3 1/2 hours without talking about himself.

[ccsl2]

Al Micheals is gone from MNF? That will be the biggest difference, he has been the mainstay and anchor of MNF for a long time. I like Tirico's style though. Very smooth, very professional.
Is Madden going back to FOX?

Madden will be at NBC doing the Sunday night games.

[ccsl2]

I think the toughest part for Tony will be going 3-3 1/2 hours without talking about himself.


LOL...and even still he will talk about himself at some point or another.

[BlitzFiftySix]

I love it. I think TK will be pretty funny so long that he doesn't try to hard. His sarcasm should add a few good laughs to the broadcast.

I wish him the best.

What is being missed on here is that Mike Tirico is a terrific play by plan man. This will launch him into a whole new level of broadcasting prowess. I can see him well on his way to Brent Musberger, Al Michaels status.

[frommd]

No offense but this totally wrong. NBC will air the Sunday night games and feature the premiere match-up of the weekend...for example Steelers/Colts rematch. ESPN will move to Monday nights and feature the same sort of middle of the road match-ups they've always had...for example Cards/Niners live from Mexico :doh: Later in the season, the NFL Network will air 5 or 6 games on Thursdays and Saturdays, including a third Thnxgiving game. ABC is now out of the business of football.

No offense taken. Thanks for the correction.

[painfulyetloyal]

Just one more reason Sunday Night Football will surpass MNF.
I have no beef with Joey T but Tirico and his overkill announcing style will get sickening and while I like Tony I don't think this will be much more than Dennis Miller and probably will last just as long.
I can hear it now:
Tony K: Good Night Canada.
Tirico: Tony just said good night Canada!!!!! Unbelievable!!! The best sign off I've ever heard in my life!!!!!! Unbelievable!!!!!!


Dont get your panties in a bunch, grasshopper. Tirico does a pretty good job overall, although I do admit that he tends to get a bit hyper at times. Theisman is the weakest link in my opinion but still, overall, not terrible, but close. And I think Kornheiser will surprise you guys. Id be surprised to see him carry on during games like he does on PTI. I know he'll still carry on a bit but to me he usually adds a different point of view that most of us dont initially think of. I think he'll be way better than Dennis Miller. We shall see!!!

[f_trizzy]

is this the end of pti btw?

It says on ESPN that PTI will be on location at the site of MNF during the season.

[TODD]

Well, if anything, the commentary wont be dry a la Madden/Michaels... I'm actually kind of excited to see this trio. :cool:

[kevinklein]

Now we have to listen to him talk on Monday nights, and then on Tuesday read what he wrote about what he said the night before.

[fansince62]

"If there's one thing Tony K. has in spades, it's the ability to laugh at himself while laughing along with (and at) everybody else."

and there's plenty to laugh at!

he's not telegenic and he has an almost whiny voice over the airwaves. if he succeeds - great. if he doesn't....well....another TV experiment gone awry.....

[macnoke03]

I think Tony K will be pretty good in the booth. Should be good for a few laughs.

[fight_on_til_you_have_won]

Well, if anything, the commentary wont be dry a la Madden/Michaels... I'm actually kind of excited to see this trio. :cool:

Yeah, Al has gotten more and more boring as the years have passed. And all that time, ABC was wondering what the problem was with MNF -- all the while ignoring that the common denominator of every booth tandem and trio they could come up with was Al Michaels. Granted, trying to call dog game after dog game without sounding like you don't give a damn must be hard too.

[nyfan]

At least we have 2 some what pro Redskin supporters in the booth.

[SC3]

Mr. Tony's strength seems to be with NCAA basketball than with the NFL. I think he'll still do well despite what Mr. Tony says. :)

[Bad Man Burgendy & Gold]

Greatest day in football history!!!!

Okay honestly I love this pick, I've listened to his show from back in the beggining around 1992, and he acts completly the same. TK is da man

[hu-bison-skinsfan]

I love Mr. Tony -- absolutely love him -- so I am biased but I think that he brings enough football knowledge to that booth. Besides, I doubt that he was hired to break down the cover 2 anyway. Tony hasn't been this way all of his life -- he's been a beat reporter, full-time sportswriter, etc. so he's perfect!! Moreover, this probably means more time spent talking about the actual game on his radio show!

[dez_mick]

I don't understand why so many people here dislike Tony. Wasn't he the guy who predicted a redskins super bowl trip in '91, and started the Redskins Bandwagon. He should be in the ring of honor just because of that. TK may not be the most knowledgeable sports guy, but neither is Theismann, and HE PLAYED!!! His best, quality unlike other so called media 'experts', is that he doesn't take himself seriously. That is why he makes an entertaining sidekick, which is what his role is on the MNF team .I think its cool to have what I consider 2 Redskins institutions in the booth next season. I just hope they bring in Wilbon as a guest for a halftime shouting match. It will at least wake up the few people left watching.


New monday night slogan-- "This show stinks!"

[kreitmaster]

I really like this move by ESPN especially since I watch PTI everyday. I truly can't believe he wants to this as it requires him to stay up late and travel. Just one more reason why I can't wait for next year.

[SC3]

A worse I'm going to imagine him being tired and sleepy eyed after midnight on a boring MNF game. :laugh:

[sleazye]

I like TK a lot, but i think that sunday night football was the worst group of announcers except for kenny albert and moose. joe theeeezman is a douche.

[Alvin Walton's Mohawk]

I like the 3 men in the Sunday night booth already. Tony is out of his element here- I don't like this move very much- to be honest.

[FightForOldDC21]

im happy for my man

[lunarluau]

ESPN - The same network that brought you Paul Maguire. Oy vay.

[ArmchairRedskin]

Great news. I think Korny will liven things up a bit. I'm looking forward to it.

[GrimReefa]

I don't get you people at all. Tony Kornheiser is freakin' HILARIOUS. I can't wait for him to gripe about the first crappy game. And he won't mince words either - get ready to hear a lot of "HE STINKS!"

And about the football knowledge thing - ummm, who was it exactly who, after week 12, predicted that the Redskins would go on a 5 game winning streak and make the playoffs? Ya, that was Kornheiser. And pretty much nobody else.

Again, there is a lot of complaining on this board that the Redskins get no love from the media. Well, with Theisman and Kornheiser in the booth, we'll get plenty now. Hell, I wouldn't be suprised if both picked the Skins to win the Super Bowl next year.

[Rdskns2000]

Cool! Thing is, MNF is no longer the IN- Primetime Game. Sure ESPN will promote it like crazy but the better primetime matchup will be the NBC: Sunday Night Football.

SNF will now be the network game. MNF will just be cable. SNF is also going to get the flexible schedule for the final 7 games- to get rid of dogs late in the season. MNF will still be stuck with clunkers.


Also, I seriously doubt MNF will get the best matchups- SNF will get the better matchups.

[jbooma]

What a joke.....Tony K????

My dog knows as much about sports as this DOPE.

U thought Miller was bad....Korny is going to make him look like Howard Cosell.

Did your dog write a sports column for 30 some years :doh: :doh:

[jbooma]

:applause:


His radio show is NOT about sports. That is the best thing that will come out of this. TK is going to embarrass himself.

It is about sports but he hates talking to atheletes because they never say anything good. Tony will be missed in the mornings. His show was the highest rated and it was on AM :notworthy

[jbooma]

I don't get you people at all. Tony Kornheiser is freakin' HILARIOUS. I can't wait for him to gripe about the first crappy game. And he won't mince words either - get ready to hear a lot of "HE STINKS!"

And about the football knowledge thing - ummm, who was it exactly who, after week 12, predicted that the Redskins would go on a 5 game winning streak and make the playoffs? Ya, that was Kornheiser. And pretty much nobody else.

Again, there is a lot of complaining on this board that the Redskins get no love from the media. Well, with Theisman and Kornheiser in the booth, we'll get plenty now. Hell, I wouldn't be suprised if both picked the Skins to win the Super Bowl next year.

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

The haters are just ignorant, and I would bet any amount of money that TK would destroy them with his sports knowledge. Great move by ESPN, sad his radio show is over for now. If anyone listened today his interview with "Junior" talking about his father who just passed was brilliant :cheers:

How can someone suck so bad when everything he touches turns to gold?

[PleaseBlitz]

I don't get you people at all. Tony Kornheiser is freakin' HILARIOUS. I can't wait for him to gripe about the first crappy game. And he won't mince words either - get ready to hear a lot of "HE STINKS!"

And about the football knowledge thing - ummm, who was it exactly who, after week 12, predicted that the Redskins would go on a 5 game winning streak and make the playoffs? Ya, that was Kornheiser. And pretty much nobody else.

Again, there is a lot of complaining on this board that the Redskins get no love from the media. Well, with Theisman and Kornheiser in the booth, we'll get plenty now. Hell, I wouldn't be suprised if both picked the Skins to win the Super Bowl next year.


You are 24 years old. How in the hell do you find Tony Kornheiser funny? 10 minute rants about NOT going to sporting events and going to bed at 9 oclock should NOT be funny to people under eighty.

[Rogers22]

Glad to have Tony on there. I hope he works out and is a fixture on MNF for a long time to come.

[fansince62]

pleaseblitz........lmao!

"The haters are just ignorant, and I would bet any amount of money that TK would destroy them with his sports knowledge."

childish as the notion of "haters" is....you don't get what's being said: TK is an Entertainer......whom many of us don't find Entertaining. This is a subjective thing that neither the TK "lovers" (does that hat wear well with you?).....or the "haters" can be proven wrong/right on. many folks like me will find him largely uninteresting, mostly topical...no matter what he does. his spots aren't going to change...he is what he is. you "love" him? greta! need validation! even better! that is an issue for you and I wish you well! I personally don't care - he is slightly above average in a galaxy of frankly mediocre sportscasters.

[ccsl2]

pleaseblitz........lmao!

"The haters are just ignorant, and I would bet any amount of money that TK would destroy them with his sports knowledge."

childish as the notion of "haters" is....you don't get what's being said: TK is an Entertainer......whom many of us don't find Entertaining. This is a subjective thing that neither the TK "lovers" (does that hat wear well with you?).....or the "haters" can be proven wrong/right on. many folks like me will find him largely uninteresting, mostly topical...no matter what he does. his spots aren't going to change...he is what he is. you "love" him? greta! need validation! even better! that is an issue for you and I wish you well! I personally don't care - he is slightly above average in a galaxy of frankly mediocre sportscasters.

Do you know what the E in ESPN stands for?? It stands for, HELLO, Entertainment.

Many folks like you...Really?? You did a survey in the last few days of everyone who knows TK? I go by ratings...and the ratings will tell you, he is pretty entertaining...on PTI and on the radio. That is all the validation I need.

[BrunellSuperbowl]

this is awful. All he does is complain. He does not belong doing football games.

[Destino]

I think TK is great and I'm under 80. Imagine that.

I'm glad he'll be on ESPN because he's one of the few guys in all of sports that doesn't swing around on the jocks of stars and traditions. He has a perspective I appreciate and won't give us a Joe Buck - Randy Moss holier then thou moment.

[fansince62]

"I'm glad he'll be on ESPN because he's one of the few guys in all of sports that doesn't swing around on the jocks of stars and traditions."

oh please...they drool all over the cats who appear for the 5 minute Q&As mid-way thru each PTI.

[fansince62]

"Do you know what the E in ESPN stands for?? It stands for, HELLO, Entertainment.

Many folks like you...Really?? You did a survey in the last few days of everyone who knows TK? I go by ratings...and the ratings will tell you, he is pretty entertaining...on PTI and on the radio. That is all the validation I need."

hey...if group think satisfies you - far be it from me to judge your personal decisions! Oprah is rated pretty highly - but I don't care for that show either. again, if that is how you decide what meets your needs - not my issue!

many, of course, is an indeterminant number, so I have no idea where you are headed with your thought.

you like TK. we get it. send him a Valentine and profess your eternal faith/love. others don't share your abiding faith. what's the big deal?

[mrieg07]

Tony K + Mike + Joey T = must see tv.

[ccsl2]

"Do you know what the E in ESPN stands for?? It stands for, HELLO, Entertainment.

Many folks like you...Really?? You did a survey in the last few days of everyone who knows TK? I go by ratings...and the ratings will tell you, he is pretty entertaining...on PTI and on the radio. That is all the validation I need."

hey...if group think satisfies you - far be it from me to judge your personal decisions! Oprah is rated pretty highly - but I don't care for that show either. again, if that is how you decide what meets your needs - not my issue!

many, of course, is an indeterminant number, so I have no idea where you are headed with your thought.

you like TK. we get it. send him a Valentine and profess your eternal faith/love. others don't share your abiding faith. what's the big deal?

It is no big deal to me...TK sends me no money...I just find it amazing how much he is hated, but yet people know what he does on his radio/TV show...aka "drools over athletes in 5 good minutes" or "all he does is whine".

[HailSkinz1]

"Mr. Tony" is an acquired taste. If you are hardcore football and care about nothing else, then you won't like him. If however, you enjoy enlightened and sometimes witty banter between penalties, timeouts, stuffed plays, punts, and commercials, you'll be pleased.

Hail,

H

[fansince62]

"It is no big deal to me...TK sends me no money...I just find it amazing how much he is hated, but yet people know what he does on his radio/TV show...aka "drools over athletes in 5 good minutes" or "all he does is whine".


It's not clear to me why you persist in using emotionally laden terms like "hate". that's more indicative of your mindset and worldview...to be quite frank. but...yea....I have what is in front of me when I watch PTI or read his articles....and my subjective response, in which I am apparently not alone, has been described.

[ccsl2]

"It is no big deal to me...TK sends me no money...I just find it amazing how much he is hated, but yet people know what he does on his radio/TV show...aka "drools over athletes in 5 good minutes" or "all he does is whine".


It's not clear to me why you persist in using emotionally laden terms like "hate". that's more indicative of your mindset and worldview...to be quite frank. but...yea....I have what is in front of me when I watch PTI or read his articles....and my subjective response, in which I am apparently not alone, has been described.

I didn't know I had to explain my use of wordplay on the board...be that as it may, in August 2006 we will see how good the new MNF booth will work out.

[Rdskns2000]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2006-02-08-michaels_x.htm

>>>Michaels dealt to NBC as Sunday night, 'MNF' lineups set

By Michael Hiestand, USA TODAY

Al Michaels' career twists were already unusual. Now, they seem downright strange: the NFL play- by-play announcer owes his new job at NBC to a long-forgotten cartoon character.
In July, the longtime ABC announcer of the NFL's Monday night games agreed to stay at Disney as those Monday games move to ESPN next season. But he changed his mind in recent weeks and wanted to follow his on-air partner, John Madden, to NBC to call the network's new Sunday night NFL TV game package.

Thursday, NBC announced Michaels is joining them — in a trade with Disney that includes ESPN being able to buy NBC's cable TV rights to golf's next four Ryder Cups, NBC granting ESPN the right to show far more Olympic TV highlights on its news shows — and Disney getting back the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

Oswald has been largely forgotten by the public. In 1927, Walt Disney introduced the character in a 26-cartoon series distributed by Universal. Disney gave up on Oswald — essentially chopping off his ears to create another character called Mickey Mouse — while Universal, now a sister company of NBC under their corporate umbrella General Electric, kept the rights.

Says Disney CEO Robert Iger: "As the forerunner to Mickey Mouse and an important part of Walt Disney's creative legacy, the fun and mischievous Oswald is back where he belongs."

NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol, who had been auditioning analyst Cris Collinsworth to become a play-by-play announcer to work games with Madden, heard in recent weeks that Michaels might be interested in getting out of his ESPN contract.

Ebersol said Disney made it clear it would not let Michaels out of his contract "without getting something from us." When Disney officials raised interest in Oswald, says Ebersol, "I had no idea what that was."

But the trade went through.

"This is pretty cool," says Michaels. "I'm going to be a trivia answer someday."

Michaels had been with ABC since 1976 and was the play-by-play announcer on Monday Night Football since 1986.

Michaels' decided to move to NBC after realizing he wanted to work with Madden, producer Fred Gaudelli and director Drew Esocoff, who also are moving from ABC to NBC.

"I began to realize more and more how much I was going to miss being with those people," Michaels said Thursday on a conference call. "That's my family, that's my broadcasting family."

Michaels granted release Wednesday

Ending weeks of speculation, ESPN/ABC formally announced Wednesday that Michaels would be released from his ESPN and ABC contracts, freeing him to join Madden at NBC.

The resulting fallout has lead to a novel twist for ESPN's production of Monday night games. Tony Kornheiser, a co-host of ESPN's Pardon the Interruption talk show and columnist for The Washington Post, will join Howard Cosell and Dennis Miller on the list of non-athletes who became Monday night analysts.


AP
Michaels

John Skipper, an ESPN executive vice president, said Michaels "had a change of heart in the last couple weeks" about honoring his ABC/ESPN contracts after earlier saying the Monday night slot "was the greatest job ever invented."

ESPN had announced in July that Michaels would work Monday night games, with the announcer saying he found that time slot to be "spine-tingling."

Wednesday, ESPN's Skipper said there was "very little hesitancy" in letting Michaels go after he expressed interest in moving.

"Al was not comfortable with our vision of where we're going," Skipper said. "We don't want to work with those that don't want to work with us."

Michaels' exit spawns several new on-air assignments. Play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico, whose ESPN duties have included calling NBA and college basketball and NFL and college football, will replace Michaels.

And ESPN's original plan, a two-man booth with analyst Joe Theismann, will be expanded to a trio with Kornheiser.

Wednesday, Kornheiser noted he doesn't like to fly, so he'll be supplied with his own bus — and one, Skipper said, "that will be bigger than Madden's bus."

Said Kornheiser, who was considered for the Monday night role that instead went to Miller, "I'm still in denial that I have this job."

Michaels, under his contract for play-by-play on ABC's lead NBA on-air team, was expected to call NBA action this season — including this year's NBA Finals. Now NBA play-by-play announcer Mike Breen will replace Michaels and work with returning lead analyst Hubie Brown.

Prime-time battle on tap

Michaels' back flip might prove just a prelude to unprecedented competition between TV NFL carriers next season.

The tug-of-war over Michaels is symbolic of a larger struggle: Which network will become the NFL's prime-time marquee?

Historically, that's been ABC's MNF. But even though ESPN will pay about $1.1 billion annually for Monday games, while NBC will pay about $600 million for Sundays, it's unclear which network will get the choicest prime-time schedule.

NBC has already gotten something ABC wanted for its Monday games — flexible scheduling, through which some late-season Sunday afternoon games can be moved into NBC's prime-time slot. (That could lead to even more squabbling, since those Sunday games will be pulled from Fox and CBS, which also might lose some good matchups to new Thursday and Saturday prime-time slots on the league's own NFL Network.)

But Skipper said Wednesday that "we still think the showcase is Monday night."

NBC, in landing Madden and Michaels, captured the biggest names among NFL announcers. Other shuffles are coming. ESPN reporter Andrea Kremer, according to several industry officials, is expected to join NBC, and James Brown will jump from Fox's top-rated pregame show to CBS.

NBC's lineup will also include Bob Costas and Cris Collinsworth, who left his job as a Fox game analyst. NBC had considered using Collinsworth on play-by-play, but not after Michaels' arrival.

ESPN spells out expanded strategy

But ESPN fired back Wednesday in elaborating on a strategy that combines tonnage, across its programming lineup, with novelty in a three-man broadcast booth.

ESPN/ESPN2 will send a variety of its shows, including SportsCenter, Mike and Mike in the Morning, Cold Pizza and Pardon the Interruption, to the Monday night host city — meant to provide unprecedented hype for prime-time matchups.

Says ESPN vice president Norby Williamson: "When it comes to those towns, it's going to be like a mini-Super Bowl each week."

And, like MNF's use of Cosell and Miller, ESPN's Monday game will include an analyst who never played in Kornheiser. Kornheiser will work with Theismann, a longtime analyst on ESPN's old Sunday night NFL TV package, and Tirico.

Kornheiser's novelty will help ESPN generate buzz even before he appears. Analysts, across TV sports, are almost always former players and coaches. But Wednesday, Kornheiser was unapologetic: "I don't feel diminished because I didn't play in the NFL."

But he added that he'd "be lying if I didn't say this makes me incredibly nervous and anxious."

Rounding out the MNF lineup, Michele Tafoya returns for her third season as a sideline reporter, and Suzy Kolber replaces Tafoya fill-in Sam Ryan.

Contributing: The Associated Press<<<

[fansince62]

"I didn't know I had to explain my use of wordplay on the board...be that as it may, in August 2006 we will see how good the new MNF booth will work out."

yes...cleverness can be such a burden....or was it humility?

no one really cares whether it works out or not. the only thing folks around these parts really care about is whether the Skins advance upon last season's performance. TK is a circus sideshow.

otherwise, hope you're right about TK if it makes you happier!

I'ld say we've just about exhausted the limited pros/cons on this one......here's to some quality FA signings.......

[The Bounty Hunter #21]

its gonna be very interesting to see how this is gonna work out for Mr. Kornheiser

[philal0102]

m still gonna miss madden

[BrunellSuperbowl]

everyone is making a big deal of Kornhiser because he is a writer. Now writers are excited how they can move up and do a job that they are not qualified to do. So then in turn brings hype.

[BrunellSuperbowl]

but i will miss Kornhiser on radio. The sports junkies are GOD AWFUL. They have awful comedians and dumb game shows. They hate the Redskins and do not talk much sports. I have no idea how they survive on radio.

[mcarey032]

I had to say that I was totally shocked that he got the gig and that he took it. I thought the fact that he wouldn't travel in a plane would hinder him from doing this not to mention the fact that he is like asleep by 9.

[Doctor ToughLove]

I think TonyK will do a nice job. But for the life of me I don't understand why Riggo hasn't gotten the gig. Here is a guy that not only he is a HOFmer, SB-MVP, and knows football but has some of the most off the wall comments that actually make sense at the moment he delivers them. It has got to be his past reputation but man Riggo would be awesom in there with JT and TonyK.

I like Riggo too. I think the biggie for Tony was that they know they can draw from his PTI crowd. That's guaranteed numbers (which Tony couldn't offer his first time for consideration).

[Doctor ToughLove]

Glad to see one of our own make it to Monday Night Football. When the Redskins play monday nights I will actually listen to the TV & not the radio. People can say what they want about Kornheiser but he won't delve into the endless obvious-ism that Madden & Michaels droned.

[ccsl2]

"I didn't know I had to explain my use of wordplay on the board...be that as it may, in August 2006 we will see how good the new MNF booth will work out."

yes...cleverness can be such a burden....or was it humility?

no one really cares whether it works out or not. the only thing folks around these parts really care about is whether the Skins advance upon last season's performance. TK is a circus sideshow.

otherwise, hope you're right about TK if it makes you happier!

I'ld say we've just about exhausted the limited pros/cons on this one......here's to some quality FA signings.......



I will drink to that! :cheers:

[Doodie987]

I AM SO EXITED, HES AWESOME, I LOVE HOW HE RIPS ON EVERYONE. hes going to be awesome to watch and hear on monday nights