Kiper, 44, ESPN's long-time NFL draft expert, agreed to a new three-year contract Tuesday following drawn-out negotiations that nearly led to his departure. ... Kiper had agreed on salary but wanted more specific language in the contract regarding his work on ESPNEWS, espn.com and ESPN Radio. Kiper was not available for comment Tuesday afternoon.
I figure I'm probably in the minority, but I can't stand Kiper. I think he's one of the 2 or 3 most overrated figures in sports "journalism". He's ok on the big names, but he stinks on the people who actually need some analysis. I enjoy the draft, but I keep hoping that someone other than ESPN will pick it up just so I don't have to see that pompous overweening stuffed shirt emote about how wrong the Colts were with that last pick.
Tim
People who say they don't "play politics" merely play politics badly. -- David Drake
I figure I'm probably in the minority, but I can't stand Kiper. I think he's one of the 2 or 3 most overrated figures in sports "journalism". He's ok on the big names, but he stinks on the people who actually need some analysis. I enjoy the draft, but I keep hoping that someone other than ESPN will pick it up just so I don't have to see that pompous overweening stuffed shirt emote about how wrong the Colts were with that last pick.
Tim
Have to disagree on this one. As an avid NFL Draft watcher for many years (I'm a long suffering Seahawks fan who enjoys one of the few weekends of the year when we and the other 31 teams have hope), and have always been astounded by his knowledge of not only players from the bigger schools, but guys from Division II, III, etc. He really shines in the second day of the draft when you get a lot of unknowns and when the guys steal his resarch as the last pick is made and he has to expound on the guy with little to no prep. He's also gold on College Football Saturdays on DisnESPN radio (or was, we don't get them anymore so I don't know if he's been on this fall).
I certainly don't think he's without fault. The whole draft is a crapshoot and he's been proven wrong quite a few times, but it really wouldn't be the same without him for me so I'm glad he's going to be around for a few more years. I also thought he was much older.
"You have the right to suffer. You have the right to feel pain. If you wish to have an attorney present, I'll hurt him too!" - The Big Bossman
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Hornung was booked on the Tony Bruno show this morning and essentially repeated himself. Tony's site seems to be down (probably due to a DIFFERENT controversy - Tony frankly discussing his contract situations (Google cache at http://www.google.