Kudos to ESPN for hiring Jon Gruden to replace Tony Kornheiser in the Monday Night Football booth. For the past 3 seasons, we had to endure 3 years of mediocrity from the MNF annoucing crew, primarily due to Kornheiser's inadequacies.
Mike Tirico and Ron Jaworski both know the NFL quite well, but Kornheiser seemed to drag everything down because of his babbling nonsense. Jaworski, who is one of the nicest and classiest guys in the business, seemed to have enough of Kornheiser's shenanigans last season as well.
I was shocked when I first heard that Kornheiser was given the job in 2006. I think that the show he is known for (Pardon The Interruption) is fantastic. However, if you really pay attention to him on it, you know his current knowledge on the happenings of sports, is subpar at best.
The guy happened to be a part of one of the most storied programs in ESPN history and company executives thought that could translate over to the NFL and Monday Night Football. I cant fault him for taking the MNF gig. ESPN should be ashamed they hired this guy.
ESPN, and all major networks, here's a simple request. Instead of hiring someone to cater to someone who may not be an average fan, hire someone who will give the average football fan the knowledge and insight to want to come back and watch more. In the meantime, thanks for the upgrade.
NBA Starting to Become More Competitive
I get frustrated when I see some of the antics of the modern NBA player. Both the Rockets and Celtics should be embarrassed with their game 7 efforts Sunday. Houston let the Lakers go out to a 8-0 lead, and didnt even make a field goal until 7 minutes had elapsed. Now thats just inexcusable, even without Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.
The defending champion Celtics effort to start the 4th quarter of their game 7 was equally as bad. Boston found themselves trailing by five after 3 quarters. But trouble quickly arises because Stephon Marbury thinks its 1999 all over again, and starts taking ill advised shot after ill advised shot. Result, Orlando goes on a 11-0 run to put the game away.
Yes it is upsetting to witness so many players in the NBA who dont take more pride in their work. Players today do not hustle game after game and play after play like they did 15-20 years ago. But things are getting better. Back in the beginning of the decade, the NBA was as predictable of a league as there was. It was the Lakers versus whatever sacraficial lamb in the East who wanted to emerge. Yes, the Lakers were a dominant team back then, but the effort that many teams were giving at the same time, was laughable.
Things are starting to become more positive in the league. David Stern has made his players more accountable off the court. The 2003 NBA Draft also provided arguably the most talented class ever. Having players like Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Carmelo Anthony provided just what the NBA needed. Excitement and Parity.