Chris Berman is still not on the property at Augusta National. I have yet to hear anybody complain. To echo my thoughts from last month: I'd say (no Berman at The Masters is a) victory for democracy and a blow to chubby, narcissistic windbags.
Perhaps a bit much, but there's only so much a guy can take.
On Tuesday, the Washington Post's Leonard Shapiro questioned ESPN's claim that it was their decision to not send "Bluster" Berman to Augusta. According to ESPN executive vice president John Wildhack, Berman is too busy preparing for ESPN's NFL draft coverage. Shockingly, Shapiro was skeptical, as would anybody be who's seen Berman previously cover the NFL draft. If he actually prepares for that, then, well ... I got nothing.
On the other hand, Mike Tirico, the only ESPNer working the early-round coverage, was fully embraced by the club. Probably has something to do with being good at his job. Fancy that. Interestingly, though, Tirico says that he received no advice (read: stern warnings) about what is and isn't acceptable on-air behavior.
Tirico also said he has had no conversations with anyone from Augusta National about how to approach his first Masters broadcast. He already knows that reverential is the preferred tone.I guess this means he didn't view the Gary McCord "I did it my way ... and got canned" instructional video.
"I would hope I'm smart enough to understand the way things have been done," he said. "My own track record fits in with the broadcasters who have been there in the past. I've always said that no one watches a sporting event for the announcers, and especially at The Masters. You love the tournament no matter who's on. I'd be completely out of character to do anything different. And no one has said you have to do this or you have to do that."
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. I don't understand why using the announcer who anchored ABC's golf coverage for a few years over the announcer that only worked one tournament a year (the U.S. Open) is a story.
Posted at 9:00PM on Apr 10th 2008 by TwoNuse
2. GEE I'M TRYING TO THINK OF SOMETHING NICE TO SAY ABOUT bERMAN BUT I CAN'T FIND THE WORDS. LEAVE HIM IN THE STUDIO HE CAN STAY THERE WITH THE OTHER KNOW IT ALLS WHO DO THE NFL DRAFT. TOO BAD THEY DON'T GET PAID BY WHAT THEY REALLY KNOW!
Posted at 10:48PM on Apr 10th 2008 by Anthony
3. Forget Berman, I just hope we don`t have to endure another season of Tirico`s other cohort, Tony Cornholer. That guy is a dufus and MNF sucks with him in it.
Posted at 10:48PM on Apr 10th 2008 by Eddie Hoffman
4. Berman is a fat, obnoxious windbag who isn't fit to anchor a muni tournament. His schtick was old long ago.The only thing he is a "Swami" for is his fat ass and bald head.
Posted at 7:04AM on Apr 11th 2008 by idlegolfer
5. As a football and baseball fan, oh, how I envy you golf fans, being spared the poor man's Howard Cosell!
You lucky bastards!
Posted at 9:24AM on Apr 11th 2008 by nickstoli