One of the more interesting books I've read in a long time. Pretty much a candid look at ESPN, dating back from its inception. And in many places, the book doesn't pull any punches.
Probably the most interesting part of the book for me was the chunk they devoted to Monday Night Football. Your views may vary, but Mike Tirico came out looking like a total jackass and I really ended up feeling sorry for Kornheiser. And I HATED Kornheiser on MNF! It gets even better once Bill Simmons starts weighing in.
Originally posted by Bill Simmons (pg 680)Tirico doesn't sell Tony for three fucking years, then has the gall to say nice things about him after Tony leaves? Come on. What kills me is that Tony got the rap for blowing this when nobody on the planet can succeed in TV if their play-by-play guy isn't selling them. Period. Five minutes into their first regular-season Monday night game, Tirico had already laughed at more Gruden jokes than he did for three years of Kornheiser. I never thought he wanted Tony in the booth, and that became obvious during 2009 season, as he turned into Mr. Gregarious and sold Gruden and Jaworski the way a play-by-play guy is supposed to sell his partners. He failed Kornheiser.
And if you think THAT'S rough, you should see how the book paints Olbermann and Berman.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of The Leader.
Trico is the worst part of MNF. I love Mr. Tony and although he wasn't the right fit for MNF, Trico has absolutely ruined that show for me. I might have to pick this up. Berman, I know was a pain in the ass to deal with in ESPN from various reports as well as Youtube clips. I figured Dan Patrick was more of the jackass then Keith Olberman, but who knows. Worth taking a look at.
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Also up at Back of the Head. (backofthehead.com) It's been a fun experiment but I'm glad this is the end of #0s. Aquaman #0. I can sum it up thusly: Swim swim swim. Look out - a shark! Talk talk talk. Exposition, exposition. Off to find Atlantis.
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