Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

SS is right. Berman was at ESPN when no one had ever heard of the network. He was there when ESPN showed a lot of Aussie rules football because the major networks had a lock on the big time American sporting events.

I still miss the Aussie rules football coverage, 30 years later.

Berman's old-school colleague Gayle Gardner was also a pioneer, paving the way for today's female sportscasters. And she was hot.

Around the NFL Week 5
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;1031203]You couldn't be more wrong. With all due respect. I mean I wasn't born in Bristol, but I do know a thing or two about how it evolved and the people who made it happen. Berman was doing the work of what about 20 people do now, back when ESPN was on trailers surrounded by swamps.[/QUOTE]

I said his effort and love for what he does are second to none. However our sports crazy nation needed an espn. The George Michael sports machine, as much as i loved it, wasnt enough to feed our sports crazed brains. I also gave him credit for landing the job in the first place.
Im just saying that Espn and the need for and timing of it all blew the hell up and took Berman with it. Not the other way around.
Edit: again not taking anything away from the blood sweat and tears he put into it.
He was in the rite place at the rite time. The nation was ripe for a sports only network. And good for him. Im sure he worked his ass off to help get it off the ground. Not saying he didnt.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

I remember Aussie rules on espn, but would argue it was already a totally established brand even 20 or 30 years ago. Shoot I watched sportscenter with buddies every day after high school.

Man Mike Smith looks worried as hell about losing this game. As well he should.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1031194]Actually no he's not. For the record, I can't stand him on the air. His on-air act is tired, and was always tough to take when not in small doses. That said, what he did to grow ESPN (and sports media in general) is beyond compare. People talk about putting the work in, he really did. And he's actually quite a strong mentor off camera. I didn't ever have to directly experience it because we were in different fields so his influence and counseling for me was not like it was for his fellow on-air talent.

[B]It's unfortunate that YouTube video has given people the impression that he's an asshole off camera, because it couldn't be further from the truth. The guys who are really assholes off camera are probably not the ones you think.[/B]

I thank Berman for everything he's done for the industry I work in, but also think it's time for him to pass the torch. Not an easy thing to do however.[/quote]

I mean what people have said on here already is pretty much in line with what I agree with.

You say that he's not an asshole, but the videos that were released of Berman looked like they were from multiple days. It didn't look like he was having one bad day, and was being an a-hole, but that rather he might be a daily a-hole.

Sure, some of these guys on camera are a-holes off camera. Whether Berman is or isn't an a-hole isn't the full reason I hate the guy, its just a portion of the reason. His annoyance, which you agree with, is about 90% of the reason why I don't like him. Sure he helped build up ESPN, but that doesn't mean you work there until you die, there comes a when you step down. Bermans time came about 7 years ago. And the fact I see him in commercials now, doesn't help with the whole annoyance thing.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=The Goat;1031208]I remember Aussie rules on espn, but would argue it was already a totally established brand even 20 or 30 years ago. Shoot I watched sportscenter with buddies every day after high school.[/quote]

20 years ago... sure. 30 years ago... Not a chance. 30 years ago, ESPN was only a few years old and was showing racquetball, hurling (sort of a field hockey thing), Aussie rules football and things of that nature. Sports Center showed promise, so they started repeating it over and over.

A deal that ESPN made with the NCAA for College Basketball to air games during march madness that the major networks werent showing got people talking about them (sometime in the very early 80's). Didnt make them much money, but got them recognized. It was college basketball 24/7 for a week or two that had people asking the cable networks to sign ESPN as a cable channel.

When they started, they didnt even call themselves ESPN. They called themselves the ESP Network. Which was confusing for something that was showing sports around the clock.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=The Goat;1031208]I remember Aussie rules on espn, but would argue it was already a totally established brand even 20 or 30 years ago. Shoot I watched sportscenter with buddies every day after high school.[/quote]

It didn't really become "established" until around 1987 when it got the right to air NFL games. So nearly a decade after Berman arrived. And there were other networks that attempted to become sports networks and failed. For example, not many people know the original intention with USA Network was to make it a 24 hour sports network.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=punch it in;1031193]I think matty ice is overrated. I dont think he is a great qb.[/quote]

I think he's good/ top 10. His team is having a bad year. They got rid of their best pass rusher and RT in Clabo. That defense is so depleted from losing Abraham and with injuries, that they can't stop anybody.

I had Atlanta making the playoffs this year. Now I'm inclined to put either 3 NFC north teams in, or 2 NFC North and 2 NFC West teams.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=Skinzman;1031217]20 years ago... sure. 30 years ago... Not a chance. 30 years ago, ESPN was only a few years old and was showing racquetball, hurling (sort of a field hockey thing), Aussie rules football and things of that nature. Sports Center showed promise, so they started repeating it over and over.

[B]A deal that ESPN made with the NCAA for College Basketball to air games during march madness that the major networks werent showing got people talking about them (sometime in the very early 80's). Didnt make them much money, but got them recognized. It was college basketball 24/7 for a week or two that had people asking the cable networks to sign ESPN as a cable channel.[/B]

When they started, they didnt even call themselves ESPN. They called themselves the ESP Network. Which was confusing for something that was showing sports around the clock.[/quote]

You are correct. I remember that some people informally called ESPN "the basketball channel" in the early 80's.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=CultBrennan59;1031215]I mean what people have said on here already is pretty much in line with what I agree with.

You say that he's not an asshole, but the videos that were released of Berman looked like they were from multiple days. It didn't look like he was having one bad day, and was being an a-hole, but that rather he might be a daily a-hole.

Sure, some of these guys on camera are a-holes off camera. Whether Berman is or isn't an a-hole isn't the full reason I hate the guy, its just a portion of the reason. His annoyance, which you agree with, is about 90% of the reason why I don't like him. Sure he helped build up ESPN, but that doesn't mean you work there until you die, there comes a when you step down. Bermans time came about 7 years ago. And the fact I see him in commercials now, doesn't help with the whole annoyance thing.[/quote]

I don't know what point you're trying to make. But I'm moving on

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

Nice play calling by Morninwheg tonight

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=CultBrennan59;1031215]I mean what people have said on here already is pretty much in line with what I agree with.

You say that he's not an asshole, but the videos that were released of Berman looked like they were from multiple days. It didn't look like he was having one bad day, and was being an a-hole, but that rather he might be a daily a-hole.

Sure, some of these guys on camera are a-holes off camera. Whether Berman is or isn't an a-hole isn't the full reason I hate the guy, its just a portion of the reason. His annoyance, which you agree with, is about 90% of the reason why I don't like him. Sure he helped build up ESPN, but that doesn't mean you work there until you die, there comes a when you step down. Bermans time came about 7 years ago. And the fact I see him in commercials now, doesn't help with the whole annoyance thing.[/quote]

Yeah, why trust someone who knows Berman personally when we can trust random internet videos instead. :(

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

Atlanta is 1-4...

Better fire their coach.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

Big win for Geno and the Jets. Didn't see that one coming. I'm in a big money survivor pool and half the pool just got knocked out.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

That was a horrendous holding call against the Jets too. Glad they overcame that.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

Big win by the Jets. Got to say that Rex's players are straight up balling out for him and it shows. I wished our players played that hard for Shanahan. :-|


Falcon's season is pretty much over. Not going to win the division, and I doubt they end up with a wildcard. I thought they peaked last year. Too many years went by with blown opportunities.


This guy is pretty good though.

[IMG]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xlD6CeVGaiI/UlN5JX4_4KI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/x7wTGAiz8l0/s400/joness.gif[/IMG]

^ that catch was amazing.
Geno was clutch tonite. I watched him alot in college but I did not think he would come along as quickly as he appears to be. Especially on this Jets team. Just goes to show you how much everyone knows before the season starts.
Giants, Skins, Falcons, steelers, texans cant buy a win and the Jets, Browns, and Chiefs are looking better every week. Crazy.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

:Smoker: this has been one weird season so far.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=CrustyRedskin;1031235]:Smoker: this has been one weird season so far.[/quote]

I agree, but thats what makes this league great.

I just saw the highlights from the game last night. Im really starting to like Geno Smith. Big win, hats off to Rex.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=NC_Skins;1031230]Big win by the Jets. [B]Got to say that Rex's players are straight up balling out for him and it shows[/B]. I wished our players played that hard for Shanahan. :-|


Falcon's season is pretty much over. Not going to win the division, and I doubt they end up with a wildcard. I thought they peaked last year. Too many years went by with blown opportunities.


This guy is pretty good though.

[IMG]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xlD6CeVGaiI/UlN5JX4_4KI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/x7wTGAiz8l0/s400/joness.gif[/IMG][/quote]

Maybe the Jets players are excited to have a QB who gives them a chance to win and not a guy named Sanchez.

Geno is growing as a QB and his players are helping him out.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

Yeah since the Jets got rid of the dumbasses on the field and organization (GM, O-Cor, Sanchez) they've played a ton better. Rex doing a good job. Addition by subtraction folks.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

Geno looked good last night but lets not forget he's having a rough year so far. I do like the jets fight and that D is legit

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000258572/article/are-jadeveon-clowneys-actions-caused-by-agent-whispers]Are Jadeveon Clowney's actions caused by agent whispers? - NFL.com[/url]

I have a big feeling this guy is going to be a huge bust.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

^ he's lazy

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

My take on clowney is that he knows he's great and he knows he's going to be making millions, he probably has a minor injury which he could play through but he doesn't want to risk anything so he's playing really cautious right now, and wants to go to the combine 100% healthy.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=CultBrennan59;1031279]My take on clowney is that he knows he's great and he knows he's going to be making millions, he probably has a minor injury which he could play through but he doesn't want to risk anything so he's playing really cautious right now, and wants to go to the combine 100% healthy.[/quote]

I agree

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

Totally agree on Clowney. He has nothing to gain by playing. NFL execs have pretty much said he's not hurting his draft stock at all.

Jets have beaten the bucs, bills, and falcons(who are obviously not as good as we all thought).
They have really only played one pretty good team - the Titans- and got blown out.
Smith is definitely making strides, but this is a six win team at best.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=Mattyk;1031287]Totally agree on Clowney. He has nothing to gain by playing. NFL execs have pretty much said he's not hurting his draft stock at all.[/quote]


I think a man quitting on his team is a huge sign of character issues. Huge. Also, he wasn't doing all that great at the start of this year. I would not want a guy who's going to quit on his teammates when it benefited him. Remember Carlos Rogers? Well, that's exactly what he did his contract year. Stayed out of games he could have played in (and was cleared) so he wouldn't get hurt.

Also, read the article I posted. You are hearing whispers from scouts about his dedication to the game. I'd say it is hurting his stock.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2013/10/07/jadeveon-clowney-2014-draft-south-carolina-gamecocks-steve-spurrier-marcus-lattimore/2935999/]NFL execs: No one cares Jadeveon Clowney is hurt, draft stock is fine[/url]

"Nah, no one will care," an executive in personnel for an NFL team told USA TODAY Sports on Sunday. "If he's healthy, works out well and most importantly interviews well, it won't hurt him."

[QUOTE=CultBrennan59;1031279]My take on clowney is that he knows he's great and he knows he's going to be making millions, he probably has a minor injury which he could play through but he doesn't want to risk anything so he's playing really cautious right now, and wants to go to the combine 100% healthy.[/QUOTE]

Probably rite, but why come back at all if you are going to be that cautious. Sort of a dick move to the school, staff, and his teammates.
He may not really be hurting his draft stock, but he is certainly not helping it.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=Mattyk;1031307][url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2013/10/07/jadeveon-clowney-2014-draft-south-carolina-gamecocks-steve-spurrier-marcus-lattimore/2935999/]NFL execs: No one cares Jadeveon Clowney is hurt, draft stock is fine[/url]

"Nah, no one will care," an executive in personnel for an NFL team told USA TODAY Sports on Sunday. "If he's healthy, works out well and most importantly interviews well, it won't hurt him."[/quote]


No source? Just one guy? C'mon man. You would be a complete idiot not to ding him on a character issue if the man quit on his teammates. You don't think he'll quit on you at the slightest convenience? It's one thing to skip the combine or the Senior bowl. It's another to quit on your teammates mid-season.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=punch it in;1031308]Probably rite, but why come back at all if you are going to be that cautious. Sort of a dick move to the school, staff, and his teammates.
He may not really be hurting his draft stock, but he is certainly not helping it.[/quote]

He came back because he had to. He's a junior. If your asking why comeback on the field, well it looks a lot worse if you're perfectly healthy on the sidelines not trying as opposed to on the field half assing it.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=Chico23231;1031244]Yeah since the Jets got rid of the dumbasses on the field and organization (GM, O-Cor, Sanchez) they've played a ton better. Rex doing a good job. Addition by subtraction folks.[/quote]

For the record, I've been a big Rex Ryan supporter. I've always thought he's a very good coach. When you have a bad QB (Sanchez) your bit going to look like a good coach. Give belichick Sanchez and you'd see all of New England calling for Bill to be fired.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=NC_Skins;1031309]No source? Just one guy? C'mon man. You would be a complete idiot not to ding him on a character issue if the man quit on his teammates. You don't think he'll quit on you at the slightest convenience? It's one thing to skip the combine or the Senior bowl. It's another to quit on your teammates mid-season.[/quote]

2 execs commented and said no big deal.

Sources can't be named since they aren't allowed to comment publicly on a college player.

I think most NFL execs are smart enough to see the big picture and what's really going on with him.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

I think the arrival of Marty Morninwheg and Ryan's trust in him is being overlooked

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=Mattyk;1031318]2 execs commented and said no big deal.

Sources can't be named since they aren't allowed to comment publicly on a college player.

I think most NFL execs are smart enough to see the big picture and what's really going on with him.[/quote]

In his case, he should have just hired a agent at the start of the season, sit this year out and enter the draft. Why do this to your teammates? It's low class regardless of the excuse. I would have no issues with him sitting out the entire year had that been his plan from the get go.

Re: Around the NFL Week 5
 

[quote=NC_Skins;1031322]In his case, he should have just hired a agent at the start of the season, sit this year out and enter the draft. Why do this to your teammates? It's low class regardless of the excuse. I would have no issues with him sitting out the entire year had that been his plan from the get go.[/quote]

Clowney really coudn't do that.

I understand your point. His actions hardly scream "team player" and he is left open for suspicion that he's just in it for the money.

But in terms of preparing for the NFL he is taking a rational approach which NFLers will understand.

[QUOTE=CultBrennan59;1031315]He came back because he had to. He's a junior. If your asking why comeback on the field, well it looks a lot worse if you're perfectly healthy on the sidelines not trying as opposed to on the field half assing it.[/QUOTE]

I wasnt sure if he chose to come back or had to. That being said i totally disagree. He was a lock as the top d pick last year. I would have more faith in a guy that was up front with his team and trained for the nfl for a year as opposed to a guy who is half assing anything and letting down his teammates.

[QUOTE=NC_Skins;1031322]In his case, he should have just hired a agent at the start of the season, sit this year out and enter the draft. Why do this to your teammates? It's low class regardless of the excuse. I would have no issues with him sitting out the entire year had that been his plan from the get go.[/QUOTE]

Exactly what i am saying.