Posted on 02/16/2012 7:54:06 AM PST by martin_fierro
Ron Jaworski is out at "Monday Night Football."
ESPN announced Wednesday that the analyst would be removed from the network's signature broadcast beginning in August. Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden will operate as a two-man booth.
Jaworski will remain at the network and appear on various programs, including "Countdown" and "Matchup."
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This paragraph, from a December article in The New Yorker about Gruden, was a perfect microcosm of Jaws' time in the booth:
When it was Jaworski's turn, he issued a stern proclamation. "Call me crazy, but I'm really excited for Tyler Palko tonight," he said, and a roomful of skeptical sports producers erupted in laughter. Jaworski had given himself the thankless task of building up the Chiefs, praising them as much as he could without putting his own credibility at risk. Perhaps viewers would buy into the idea, however far-fetched, that Palko would emerge as the night's underdog hero. Later that day, as Jaworski was making a cup of coffee in the ESPN bus, he tried the line again. "Call me crazy, but I'm excited about Tyler Palko," he said. He exhaled. "I've got to sell this," he said to himself.
He became a carnival barker, not a football analyst. That may have been his own doing or based on the suggestions of ESPN producers. Regardless, the mentality to promote the game rather than describe it, which seems to be shared by Tirico and Gruden, is a big reason why "Monday Night Football" has become borderline unwatchable in recent years. It's not a football game anymore; it's a promotional vehicle. (That's only going to get worse when Gruden is given a bigger stage.)
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(Excerpt) Read more at sports.yahoo.com ...
What irks me is when they cut away from the game to show the sports babe on the sideline doing her in-depth personal interview of an injured player or someone.
THE GAME COMES FIRST!
(idiot producers)
Agree 100%! All this guy does is Parrot what someone Boston told him. There is no original thought.
At least Ron has been there done that (NFL), and has 100% better analytical view.
I predict there ratings are going to drop. This guy only appeals to people in the Boston area.
What?
No sideline bimbette dazzling me with her brilliant insight. "What do you need to do to get back into this game coach?"
I watch MNF about three times a year.
ALWAYS with the sound off!
When Dandy Don and Howard were practically fighting on the set was when the show was at it’s best. MNF in the 70’s and 80’s was special. I remember when people would pop in like John Lennon and Ronald Reagan. I remember when Cosel announced Lennon’s death on MNF. That’s back when it was special.
The best broadcast now is by far Sunday Night Football. I think that Al Michaels is the best play by play man in the business now. He was great on MNF and he’s great doing SNF.
Another questionable decision by the management at MNF. They’ve become quite adept at it.
ML/NJ
I like Jaws, though he did a good job. Gruden...I know they gotta be positive and all, but you know that is the opposite of ‘Chucky’. Gruden’s ‘positive spin’ is like Romney’s conservatism - forced and fake...
Jaws is the absolute best at breaking down plays. He’s also a decent guy. That’s more than I can say for leftist moron Chris Collingsworth! Gruden is basically unwatchable and Tirico is like a wind-up toy.
A lot of people would disagree with you.
And then he went the other way in Victor, Victoria
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