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Michael Wilbon

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Michael Wilbon

ESPN’s ‘Around the Horn’ Wraps 23-Year Run With Heartfelt Sign Off From Host Tony Reali: ‘Sports Is Connection’
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Longtime ESPN host Tony Reali took his final lap “Around the Horn” on Friday, closing out the sports debate series after 23 years and more than 4,900 episodes.

ESPN set the end date months ago for the half-hour series that has been a staple of the sports cabler’s early evening lineup. Reali has not been shy in recent interviews about “Around the Horn” having been canceled despite its long tenure.

“Around the Horn” featured a “Hollywood Squares”-style assembly of prominent sports journalists talking about teams, athletes and sports issues of the day. The scribes vied to score points, as judged by Reali, by supporting their positions with forceful arguments. Reali came to host the show after working as a researcher and on-air statistician for “Pardon the Interruption,” the long-running ESPN series hosted by respected sports veterans Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon. The two shows have aired back-to-back from 5 p.m.
See full article at Variety Film + TV
  • 5/23/2025
  • by Cynthia Littleton
  • Variety Film + TV
ESPN ‘Around The Horn’ Finale: Host Tony Reali Riffs On ‘GoodFellas’, Invites Viewers To Meet Him On YouTube As Show Signs Off After 23 Years
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Around the Horn host Tony Reali opened the show’s 4,953rd and final episode Friday with a nod to GoodFellas and closed it with an invitation to viewers to find him on his new YouTube channel.

“As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a sportscaster,” he began, tweaking the immortal Henry Hill kickoff to Martin Scorsese’s gangster classic. A handheld camera then followed him around the control room and backstage area of the show’s set at ESPN’s studios at New York City’s South Street Seaport. To the sounds of The Crystals’ “Then He Kissed Me” (best known from Scorsese’s single-take Copacobana sequence), family and crew members got a chance to wave goodbye.

“I grew up on this show,” Reali mused in the final segment (watch it above), noting he came aboard at age 24 following a run as “Stat Boy” on older-sibling ESPN talker Pardon the Interruption.
See full article at Deadline Film + TV
  • 5/23/2025
  • by Dade Hayes
  • Deadline Film + TV
Maury Povich To Launch Video Podcast With A Better Life Media & Radley Studios
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Maury Povich is returning to his journalistic roots with On Par with Maury Povich, a new video podcast.

On Par with Maury Povich promises to offer thought-provoking conversations with cultural icons and industry leaders across media, sports, and entertainment — including Hall of Fame jockey Laffit Pincay, Jr., journalists Connie Chung and Jessica Yellin, serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, and broadcasters Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser, among others.

The weekly podcast will be available on all major audio platforms starting March 31 with full episodes available to watch on YouTube.

“I began my career with a microphone in hand and a passion for asking questions that mattered. After six decades in television, On Par brings me back to the heart of it all — journalism,” said Povich. “This podcast is a return to where it all began, a chance to reflect on what I’ve learned, and to have meaningful conversations with remarkable people...
See full article at Deadline Film + TV
  • 3/27/2025
  • by Lynette Rice
  • Deadline Film + TV
How to Watch 'The Crossover: 50 Years of Hip Hop and Sports' Live on Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku & Mobile
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The link between sports and hip hop is indelible, and has been present ever since the birth of the music genre 50 years ago. Now, fans can discover a new perspective on this relationship in “The Crossover: 50 Years of Hip Hop and Sports,” debuting on ESPN on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Et. Featuring interviews, historical footage and more, “The Crossover” will examine how deeply intertwined sports and hip hop have been for decades. You can watch ESPN with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. You can also watch with Sling TV, Hulu Live TV, Fubo, or YouTube TV.

How to Watch 'The Crossover: 50 Years of Hip Hop and Sports' When: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 7:30 Pm Edt TV: ESPN Stream: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. 5-Day Free Trial$74.99+ / month directv.com/stream

Save $30 Over Your First Three Months of Directv Stream.

About 'The Crossover: 50 Years...
See full article at The Streamable
  • 9/12/2023
  • by David Satin
  • The Streamable
ESPN Revamps No. 1 On-Air NBA Announcing Team & Sets Up History-Making Finals Run For Doris Burke
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In an era when much of sports broadcasting is dominated by hot takes, ESPN has decided to go with a class on-air announcing team for its NBA broadcast coverage.

The network said Monday that ever-steady play-by-play guy Mike Breen will be joined by Doris Burke and Doc Rivers on the broadcaster’s A-team for big games. The trio, along with reporter Lisa Salters, will call the NBA Finals, Eastern Conference Finals, NBA playoffs, and the Christmas Day and NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC series. The team will make its debut during ESPN’s opening week of NBA coverage in October.

As part of the changes, ESPN announced it has reached a multi-year deal with Rivers as well as a multi-year extension with Burke.

The arrangement will make the incomparable Burke the first woman to serve as a television analyst for a major men’s championship in the U.S.

She...
See full article at Deadline Film + TV
  • 8/14/2023
  • by Tom Tapp
  • Deadline Film + TV
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ESPN Adds Doc Rivers and Doris Burke to Top NBA Broadcast Team, Replacing Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy
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ESPN has drafted two new additions to its top NBA broadcast team: Doc Rivers and Doris Burke will join Mike Breen in the booth for the network’s biggest games, including the NBA Finals on ABC, it was announced on Monday.

Rivers and Burke will step in for Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy, who called NBA games for ESPN alongside Breen for years before exiting the network earlier this year in a highly publicized series of layoffs that claimed more than a dozen ESPN on-air personalities.

More from TVLineSportsCenter Anchor Sage Steele Exiting ESPN After Settling LawsuitNBA Announcer Mark...
See full article at TVLine.com
  • 8/14/2023
  • by Dave Nemetz
  • TVLine.com
Doris Burke & Doc Rivers Named ESPN & ABC’s Top NBA Broadcasters
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Following rumors of the announcement, ESPN confirmed that Doris Burke and Doc Rivers will join Mike Breen as ABC‘s top NBA broadcasting team for the upcoming season. Burke will become the first woman to serve as a television color analyst for the NBA Finals. She previously served as the analyst for ESPN’s number 2 broadcasting team alongside Mark Jones. Rivers, who was an analyst for ABC during the 2003-04 season, has coached in the NBA for 24 seasons, winning a championship with the Celtics in 2008. He spent the last three years with the Sixers before getting fired in May. As a result, there will be more changes to several broadcasting teams, according to the network. Former Warriors general manager Bob Myers will join the network as a studio and game analyst. He will be a part of ABC’s versions of NBA Countdown, which will also see Malika Andrews with Stephen A. Smith,...
See full article at TV Insider
  • 8/14/2023
  • TV Insider
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On TV Tonight June 12, 2023 Schedule & Previews Revealed
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Hey, TV fans. We're back in action to let you know what the major networks: ABC, Fox, NBC and CBS will be airing in their primtime line ups tonight, June 12, 2023. Let's do it. ABC is airing a Live, NBC Countdown show and a 2023 NBA Finals game. ABC's official description for the Live NBA Countdown show reads like this: "Bold opinions, discussion and debate centered on the top storylines from around the league. Mike Greenberg hosts this pregame show with analysts Stepen A. Smith, Jalen Rose and Michael Wilbon." It's scheduled to air from 7pm to 7:30pm central standard time.
See full article at OnTheFlix
  • 6/13/2023
  • by Andre Braddox
  • OnTheFlix
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On TV Tonight June 9, 2023 Schedule & Previews Revealed
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Hey, TV fans. Happy Friday. We're back to let you know what will be airing tonight, June 9, 2023 on the primetime schedule for the major TV networks: NBC, CBS, ABC and Fox. Let's get to it. ABC is airing a Live NBA countdown show and Live 2023 NBA Finals Basketball Game. ABC's official description for the Live NBA Countdown show reads like this: "Bold opinions, discussion and debate centered on the top storylines from around the league. Mike Greenberg hosts this pregame show with analysts Stepen A. Smith, Jalen Rose and Michael Wilbon." It's airing from 7pm to 7:30pm central standard time.
See full article at OnTheFlix
  • 6/9/2023
  • by Chris
  • OnTheFlix
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On TV Tonight June 7, 2023 Schedule & Preview Revealed
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Hey, TV fans. We're back with the primetime TV schedule listings for tonight, June 7, 2023. These listings are for the major networks: Fox, NBC, ABC and CBS. Let's get into it. ABC is airing a Live NBA Countdown show and NBA Finals game ABC's official description for the new, Live NBA Countdown show reads like this, "Bold opinions, discussion and debate centered on the top storylines from around the league. Mike Greenberg hosts this pregame show with analysts Stepen A. Smith, Jalen Rose and Michael Wilbon." It's airing from 7pm to 7:30pm central standard time.
See full article at OnTheFlix
  • 6/7/2023
  • by Chris
  • OnTheFlix
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On TV Tonight June 1, 2023 Schedule Preview Revealed
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Hey, TV fans. We're back in action to let you know what is airing on the primetime schedules tonight, June 1, 2023 for the major networks: Fox, NBC, ABC and CBS. Let's get into it. ABC is airing a Live NBA Countdown show. ABC's official description for it reads like this, "Bold opinions, discussion and debate centered on the top storylines from around the league. Mike Greenberg hosts this pregame show with analysts Stepen A. Smith, Jalen Rose and Michael Wilbon." It's airing from 7 pm to 7:30pm central standard time. 2023 NBA Finals. Miami Heat at Denver Nuggets Live. ABC's description for it: "Nikola Joki? and the Nuggets host Jimmy Butler's Heat for Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Denver topped the Western Conference with a 53-29 record in the regular season before rolling through Minnesota, Phoenix and the Los Angeles Lakers in the postseason." It's airing from 7:30 pm to 10 pm central standard time.
See full article at OnTheFlix
  • 6/1/2023
  • by Andre Braddox
  • OnTheFlix
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NBA Finals June 1, 2023 Game 1 Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets Preview Revealed
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Hey, NBA fans. Tonight, is a big night. We're on here to let you know that ABC going to be providing exclusive, Live coverage of the very first game 1 for the 2023 NBA Finals featuring the Miami Heat versus the Denver Nuggets tonight, June 1, 2023. Oh, yeah, guys. It's going down tonight, and we've got a brief preview for tonight's festivities. According to the TV guide listings, ABC is going to air a Live, NBA countdown show 30 minutes before the actual game starts. This will air in the 7 pm central standard time slot. It will feature some heavy, pre-commentary discussions for the match up between these two teams and so on and so forth. ABC's official description for this Live NBA Countdown show reads like this, "NBA Countdown Live. Bold opinions, discussion and debate centered on the top storylines from around the league. Mike Greenberg hosts this pregame show with analysts Stepen A.
See full article at OnTheFlix
  • 6/1/2023
  • by Andre Braddox
  • OnTheFlix
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NBA Brings Down the Hammer on Nets for Allowing Unvaxxed Kyrie Irving in Locker Room
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The Brooklyn Nets have been fined $50,000 for letting Kyrie Irving — who is unvaccinated — into the team locker room, which violated both New York City and NBA Covid protocols, the league announced on Monday.

The violation occurred during their game against the Knicks on Sunday at Barclays Center. The controversial guard has not been allowed to play any of the team’s games at Barclays this season because he is unvaccinated. Unvaccinated fans were not allowed into the arena until this week. Irving watched Sunday’s game from the team’s bench.
See full article at Rollingstone.com
  • 3/14/2022
  • by Althea Legaspi
  • Rollingstone.com
Tori Sampson Writing Chris Paul Biopic ‘61’ For Disney
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Exclusive: Tori Sampson has been tapped to pen the biopic 61, which is being developed by Disney Studios’ live-action team for Disney+. Chris Paul and his brother C.J. are producing. No director or talent is attached at this time.

Announced this past December at the Disney Investor Day presentation, the pic is based on the NBA superstar’s moving story of family, legacy and destiny that helped make him who he is today. Paul also recently closed a two-book deal with Macmillan for him to tell this story in book form. He will be writing it with Michael Wilbon, with both an adult and kids version planned. Those will be released sometime this fall.

As for Sampson, the up-and-coming writer has been busy, most recently coming on as a writer on the series Three Women for Showtime. She also recently worked on the Amazon series Hunters and Solos and...
See full article at Deadline Film + TV
  • 9/27/2021
  • by Justin Kroll
  • Deadline Film + TV
Jemele Hill
Soul of a Nation: Season Two? Has the ABC TV Series Been Cancelled or Renewed Yet?
Jemele Hill
Vulture Watch

Has the Soul of a Nation TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on ABC? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Soul of a Nation, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?

What's This TV Show About?

Airing on the ABC television network, the Soul of a Nation TV series includes reporting from ABC News hosts and correspondents including Jemele Hill, Marsai Martin, Adrienne Bankert, Linsey Davis, T.J. Holmes, Sunny Hostin, Janai Norman, Steve Osunsami, Byron Pitts, Deborah Roberts, David Scott, Pierre Thomas, and ESPN’s Michael Wilbon. Examining Black life in America, the program seeks to present viewers of all cultures and backgrounds with a unique window...
See full article at TVSeriesFinale.com
  • 3/4/2021
  • by TVSeriesFinale.com
  • TVSeriesFinale.com
Jemele Hill
Soul of a Nation: Season One Ratings
Jemele Hill
ABC has introduced several documentary-style series over the years. Many run for one season and a limited number of episodes while others return for another year or two. Will Soul of a Nation be cancelled or renewed for season two? Stay tuned.

A broadcast network newsmagazine, the Soul of a Nation TV series includes reporting from ABC News hosts and correspondents including Jemele Hill, Marsai Martin, Adrienne Bankert, Linsey Davis, T.J. Holmes, Sunny Hostin, Janai Norman, Steve Osunsami, Byron Pitts, Deborah Roberts, David Scott, Pierre Thomas, and ESPN’s Michael Wilbon. Examining Black life in America, the program seeks to present viewers of all cultures and backgrounds with a unique window into authentic realities of Black life and dive deeper into topics like racial reckoning, sports activism, faith, Black joy, and the power of the next generation of Black Americans. The series travels across...
See full article at TVSeriesFinale.com
  • 3/3/2021
  • by TVSeriesFinale.com
  • TVSeriesFinale.com
Jemele Hill
Soul of a Nation: Season One Viewer Votes
Jemele Hill
What topics will be discussed in the first season of the Soul of a Nation TV show on ABC? As we all know, the Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether a TV show like Soul of a Nation is cancelled or renewed for season two. Unfortunately, most of us do not live in Nielsen households. Because many viewers feel frustration when their viewing habits and opinions aren't considered, we invite you to rate all of the first season episodes of Soul of a Nation here.

An ABC newsmagazine, the Soul of a Nation TV series includes reporting from ABC News hosts and correspondents including Jemele Hill, Marsai Martin, Adrienne Bankert, Linsey Davis, T.J. Holmes, Sunny Hostin, Janai Norman, Steve Osunsami, Byron Pitts, Deborah Roberts, David Scott, Pierre Thomas, and ESPN’s Michael Wilbon. Examining Black life in America, the program...
See full article at TVSeriesFinale.com
  • 3/3/2021
  • by TVSeriesFinale.com
  • TVSeriesFinale.com
Jemele Hill
Soul of a Nation
Jemele Hill
Network: ABC

Episodes: Ongoing (hour)

Seasons: Ongoing

TV show dates: March 2, 2021 -- present

Series status: Has not been cancelled

Correspondents include: Jemele Hill, Marsai Martin, Adrienne Bankert, Linsey Davis, T.J. Holmes, Sunny Hostin, Janai Norman, Steve Osunsami, Byron Pitts, Deborah Roberts, David Scott, Pierre Thomas, and Michael Wilbon.

TV show description:

A broadcast network newsmagazine, the Soul of a Nation TV series examines Black life in America. The program seeks to present viewers of all cultures and backgrounds with a unique window into authentic realities of Black life and dive deeper into topics like racial reckoning, sports activism, faith, Black joy, and the power of the next generation of Black Americans.

Read More…...
See full article at TVSeriesFinale.com
  • 3/3/2021
  • by TVSeriesFinale.com
  • TVSeriesFinale.com
ESPN’s Michael Wilbon Explains How ‘The Last Dance’ Is Redefining Michael Jordan for a New Generation
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While audiences watching ESPN’s hit documentary series “The Last Dance” — about Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls — are learning something new about the basketball legend with each passing episode, ESPN’s Michael Wilbon already had a front-row seat to it all.

But that doesn’t mean that the experience of watching the series isn’t something special.

“It’s got additive value, because even if you thought you knew everything, you didn’t know his take. And the importance to me, the value of this [documentary] to me, number one, is Michael’s take,” Wilbon tells Variety. “I got everybody else’s — I know what all my colleagues think, I know what his coaches think, what his teammates think, what his opponents think. I want to hear from him on all these huge moments of his career and his life.”

“There are two generations of people now who didn...
See full article at Variety Film + TV
  • 5/12/2020
  • by Angelique Jackson
  • Variety Film + TV
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Hank Azaria Signs Off As Brockmire: “It’s Been The Great Joy of My Life”
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There’s no crying in baseball, but there were plenty of teary eyes while shooting the final episode of Brockmire.

“I didn’t really plan on tearing up myself, but I think the combination of ending it all and just the beauty of the moment overtook me and I got really choked up on a couple of takes,” says star Hank Azaria as he recalls the emotional final scene.

“I was really gratified to look up and see everybody on the crew wiping their eyes at the end of it too. [Jim Brockmire’s] a guy who’s finally learned to shut up and appreciate what’s around him, including baseball. And I found myself, a lot like with the show, I underestimate the emotion of it until I do it.”

The weight that Brockmire carried during its four seasons snuck up on nearly everyone from fans to critics to those directly involved with the show.
See full article at Den of Geek
  • 5/7/2020
  • by Chris Longo
  • Den of Geek
Michael Wilbon Says NBA's 1-And-Done Rule's Gotta Go, But Racist?!
The NBA's 1-and-done rule is "complicated" and objectionable" and has got to go ... so says ESPN star Michael Wilbon -- but he definitely stopped short of calling it "racist." We got the "Pardon The Interruption" host leaving Craig's in L.A. -- and asked him about Stan Van Gundy's recent comments about the league's 1-year collegiate mandate being racist ... since most athletes it's holding back are black. "The '1-and-done' is complicated and...
See full article at TMZ
  • 2/27/2018
  • by TMZ Staff
  • TMZ
Dan Patrick
Keith Olbermann to Return to ESPN Next Week – At Least, for 2 Days
Dan Patrick
Someone wake up Dan Patrick: Keith Olbermann is returning to ESPN next week. The assignment is temporary — for now, at least — as Olbermann will fill in for Michael Wilbon opposite Tony Kornheiser on popular sports debate program “Pti.” The guest stint appears to be another step in a possible full-time reunion between Olbermann and self-proclaimed Leader in Sports. Next Thursday and Friday, March 1 and 2, marks Olbermann’s first time doing “Pardon The Interruption.” Also Read: Keith Olbermann Says NBC News 'Enabled' Matt Lauer, Slams Fired Star as 'Vindictive' Olbermann got his start in media co-hosting ESPN’s “SportsCenter” alongside Patrick, which...
See full article at The Wrap
  • 2/23/2018
  • by Tony Maglio
  • The Wrap
Magic Johnson at an event for Who's Your Caddy? (2007)
Espn’s Dan Le Batard on Magic Johnson Criticism: ‘Social Justice Warriors Are Eating Their Own’
Magic Johnson at an event for Who's Your Caddy? (2007)
This week’s announcement that Magic Johnson has been named team president for the Los Angeles Lakers sparked celebration from many long-suffering fans, but caused a division among some of Espn’s top talent. “Highly Questionable” host Dan Le Batard kicked off a firestorm when he criticized the five-time NBA champion’s ability to run the team, saying he only got the top job because “he’s famous and charming.” Le Batard’s comments triggered an instant reaction, most notably from fellow Espn host, Mike Wilbon, who blasted him on Twitter asking: “Did the electricity go out in LeBatard’s...
See full article at The Wrap
  • 2/24/2017
  • by Debbie Emery
  • The Wrap
Tony Kornheiser
‘Pti’ Hosts Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon Sign Contract Extensions to Stay at Espn
Tony Kornheiser
“Pti” hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon have signed new multiyear contract extensions to stay at Espn. Both will also continue their work on other platforms owned by the powerful Disney cable channel, most notably Wilbon’s NBA commentary. The popular Kornheiser and Wilbon also do the “Pti” podcast and a daily segment during the opening minutes of the 6 p.m. “SportsCenter.” This week marks the 15-year anniversary of “Pardon the Interruption,” which is Espn’s most-watched daily studio program, averaging more than a million viewers per day when including ESPN2’s 6:30 p.m. re-air. Also Read: Is a Netflix + Espn Service in the.
See full article at The Wrap
  • 10/19/2016
  • by Tony Maglio
  • The Wrap
Top TV for 2014: 10 more great returning series
I am what James Poniewozik at Time would call an Everybody Gets a Trophy kind of person. With the Baseball Hall of Fame, I'm a big Hall kind of guy. (Vote Tim Raines this year, people!) I like honoring as much excellence as I can, whenever I can, even if it comes at the risk of making everything a bit less special because so many things are being called special. Even before the Too Much Good TV deluge began in the last couple of years, I was always somebody who tried to squeeze more than 10 shows into his yearly top 10 lists, whether through ties or other bending of the rules. One year, number 2 on my list was "Fact-based movies and miniseries," a ridiculous cheat that allowed me to squeeze six productions into one slot; another, I didn't even do a top 10 at all, but an amorphous list of things like...
See full article at Hitfix
  • 12/11/2014
  • by Alan Sepinwall
  • Hitfix
President Obama -- Pardon The Interruption ... But I'm Golfing with Espn Hosts
Happy time, people ... at least it was for "Pardon the Interruption" hosts Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser yesterday when they snuck in a full round of golf with President Obama! The gang all met up at the Congressional Country Club in Bethseda, Maryland yesterday ... along with a White House aide (who completed the 4-some) ... and played the 90-year old course. It's not the first time the Prez hooked up with the Pti gang for some golf -- last year,...
See full article at TMZ
  • 7/27/2014
  • by TMZ Staff
  • TMZ
Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon in Pardon the Interruption (2001)
Espn Touts New ‘SportsCenter’ Set; ‘Pti’ Co-Hosts Sign New Multi-Year Deals
Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon in Pardon the Interruption (2001)
Espn teased its new “SportsCenter” set and announced contract extensions for “Pardon the Interruption” co-hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon at its upfront presentation to advertisers Tuesday. The new studio space, at Espn's Digital Center in Bristol, Conn., is about 10,000 square feet and boasts 114 monitors. It is technically two studios, allowing one show to rehearse while another shoots, and will debut in June. Also read: NFL Fines Miami Dolphins Player Over ‘Horrible’ Tweets About Michael Sam Kornheiser and Wilbon, who have co-hosted “Pti” since 2001, signed new multi-year extensions, the network said. Espn also touted its 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil coverage.
See full article at The Wrap
  • 5/13/2014
  • by Tony Maglio
  • The Wrap
Magic Johnson leaves Espn over Bill Simmons feud?
NBA legend Magic Johnson announced Thursday (October 11) that he was leaving Espn, where he has appeared since 2008 as a basketball analyst on "NBA Countdown." In a statement, Magic said he was leaving due to other commitments, but a report claims he actually called it quits due to fellow analyst Bill Simmons.

A source tells Deadspin that Simmons has essentially been handed control of "NBA Countdown." Magic was reportedly unhappy when co-host Michael Wilbon's role on the show was diminished.

Both Johnson and Simmons have released statements, saying a feud between them doesn't exist and that there are no hard feelings on either side. "I loved getting to know Magic these past 12 months and was saddened to hear about his decision," Simmons says, adding that Johnson is his friend and he was working ideas that could lead to them working together in the future. Meanwhile, Magic's agent reiterates that the...
See full article at Zap2It - From Inside the Box
  • 10/12/2013
  • by editorial@zap2it.com
  • Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Keith Olbermann
Keith Olbermann plays small ball in first ESPN2 show
Keith Olbermann
He began his new show with a little Jack Paar reference and finished with his Edward R. Murrow sign off, but in between, it was — for better and for worse — the old Keith Olbermann. (And most likely, the Keith Olbermann Espn intended to hire.) Olbermann wrapped himself in the banner of the Worldwide Leader, reminiscing through archived video clips of his younger days and poking fun of his first go-around at ESPN2 by donning the same infamous jacket he wore back in 1993 and updating his nose-cutting “welcome to the end of my career” remark for embattled Jets coach Rex Ryan.
See full article at EW.com - PopWatch
  • 8/27/2013
  • by Jeff Labrecque
  • EW.com - PopWatch
Espn's Bill Simmons on joining 'NBA Countdown' and his close encounter with Mike Francesa
Bill Simmons
When Bill Simmons first became the Boston Sports Guy, writing an obscure blog for AOL in the early days of the internets, he gradually cultivated a loyal audience who appreciated his exhaustive essays dissecting Beantown’s sport fandom while sprinkling in Karate Kid and Road House references. He wrote from a fan’s perspective, which is the only perspective he could afford at the time, but that voice ultimately made him famous and influential. He’s been at Espn now since 2001, and if he doesn’t yet run the network, he certainly is one of the Sports Leaders’ most important assets.
See full article at EW - Inside TV
  • 11/2/2012
  • by Jeff Labrecque
  • EW - Inside TV
Michael Clarke Duncan at an event for The Island (2005)
Stars React To 'Green Mile' Star's Death
Michael Clarke Duncan at an event for The Island (2005)
A sampling of the outpouring of love and memories from the Hollywood and sports worlds Monday following the death of Michael Clarke Duncan, many of them on Twitter:

_ "I am terribly saddened at the loss of Big Mike. He was the treasure we all discovered on the set of `The Green Mile.' He was magic. He was a big love of man and his passing leaves us stunned." – Tom Hanks.

_ "I'm devastated at the loss of Michael Clarke Duncan, one of the finest people I've ever had the privilege to work with or know. Michael was the gentlest of souls – an exemplar of decency, integrity, and kindness. The sadness I feel is inexpressible. _Frank Darabont, director of "The Green Mile."

_ "(at)OfficialMCD I cant believe you are gone my friend. I will miss our Lakers vs Mavs bets and texts . You will not be forgotten. Rip" – Dallas Mavericks owner...
See full article at Huffington Post
  • 9/4/2012
  • by AP
  • Huffington Post
Magic Johnson at an event for Who's Your Caddy? (2007)
Magic Johnson Expanding Role on NBA Pregame Show
Magic Johnson at an event for Who's Your Caddy? (2007)
Espn and ABC's NBA pregame show is expanding Magic Johnson's role and moving to Los Angeles. Beginning Christmas Day at 2 p.m., the "Kia NBA Countdown" will originate from the Espn Los Angeles Production Center at L.A. Live – across the street from Staples Center. Johnson will become a featured analyst -- joining Jon Barry, Michael Wilbon and Chris Broussard. He will also continue to interview NBA stars and provide analysis on "SportsCenter" and other Espn shows. The show has previously aired from Bristol, Conn. and New York City. "It’s been a lot...
See full article at The Wrap
  • 12/20/2011
  • by Tim Molloy
  • The Wrap
Keith Olbermann
Keith Olbermann and Dan Patrick reunite to talk Espn movie
Keith Olbermann
Ever since 20th Century Fox decided to turn that 745-page Espn oral history into a movie, everyone has been speculating who will play their favorite quippy on-air personalities like Keith Olbermann and Dan Patrick. Even Keith Olbermann and Dan Patrick. The former SportsCenter tag-team partners reunited last night on Olbermann’s Current TV show and had some fun casting themselves and their former co-workers. It was only semi-serious, with Olbermann using the game as an opportunity to take pot-shots at his perceived former rivals. When Patrick suggested Ryan Gosling for dashing Craig Kilborn, Olbermann replied, “That’s alright, but he...
See full article at EW.com - PopWatch
  • 7/29/2011
  • by Jeff Labrecque
  • EW.com - PopWatch
Keith Olbermann and Dan Patrick dream cast Espn movie, chat about 'Worst Person' Newt
On the July 28th edition of "Countdown with Keith Olbermann," Keith was joined by former Espn "SportsCenter" co-host Dan Patrick who stopped by to chat about fantasy-casting the movie version of the Espn saga -- plans for which are actually underway at 20th Century Fox. When Patrick said he thinks the screenwriters will focus on the mid-90s era at Espn because, thanks to Keith, there was tension in the building, Keith replied emphatically, "How come no one ever told me there was tension in the building? I didn't know!" Some of their dream casting picks? Larry David or Paul Giamatti for Tony Kornheiser; Sinbad or Forest Whitaker for Michael Wilbon; Tim Meadows for Stuart Scott. Finally, Patrick...
See full article at Monsters and Critics
  • 7/29/2011
  • by April MacIntyre
  • Monsters and Critics
Empathy For The Devil | Pajiba Sports
Today I address a controversial topic.

I love dogs. I absolutely love them. I often cite them as my favorite animal. When I am a guest at someone's house, I have been known to completely eschew all polite social pleasantries to frolic with any dogs that I might meet.

Yes, I am that guy at the party sitting in the corner, sipping his drink, and scratching the mutt-in-residence behind the ear as I telepathically confide in my canine friend that speech is wasted on humans.

When engaging in an intensely competitive game of "Serious Thumbs Up" with my nieces, I concentrate on the absence of my dearly departed four-legged childhood friend Zooey in order to maintain a serious visage and thus win the game.

Unless you consider my lack of human social skills controversial, we have not arrived at the controversial part: Lately I have been feeling as if I...
  • 9/29/2010
  • by Dustin Rowles
LeBron’s “Decision”? To Avoid the Path of Greatness
I know I saw something last night on Espn, which with its sycophantish idolatry of supposed sports heroes mights as well be called Bspn, America’s Bullshit Leader. I know I heard talking heads such as Michael Wilbon and Jon Barry and Chris Broussard (until he mysteriously disappeared) speak in empty sports babble, saying the same things over and over and over, waiting for LeBron James to be fed oversize beach balls by the once-incisive Jim Gray. Wilbon, although he claims to be from the Midwest, looked like an East Coast dandy with all that pink; the only thing missing was a man purse. Broussard looked like he was melting, since he was the one who had reported that LeBron would be going to the Miami Heat but was now clearly running for his life, naming every NBA team with the exception of the Toronto Raptors as a possible contender.
See full article at Vanity Fair
  • 7/9/2010
  • Vanity Fair
The 5 Most Ridiculous Parts From Espn’s LeBron James Announcement
LeBron James announced Thursday night that he’ll be playing for the Miami Heat next year. James made this announcement during a one-hour special on Espn. How did Espn manage to fill an hour of prime-time programming with a grain of information that I’ve already conveyed in that two-line introduction? The same way American Idol results shows manage to exist — by padding it with a bunch of time-wasting nonsense, obviously. Here are the five most impressively insulting examples: 1. Photoshops Of LeBron In Five Different Jerseys “With just minutes before the big announcement,” proclaimed Stuart Scott, “let’s take a look at what LeBron James would look like wearing the jerseys of his five different suitors.” Espn then showed that photo above, which is not news, information, or a thing. But what would LeBron James look like if he played…On The Moon? Thanks, Worldwide Leader In Sports and Theoretical Photoshops!
See full article at BestWeekEver
  • 7/9/2010
  • by Dan Hopper
  • BestWeekEver
Charity to Benefit From LeBron James' One-Hour Decision
LeBron James' decision to take one hour out of Espn's regular schedule is expected to rake in a huge rating which will eventually benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The NBA player personally asked the sports channel to spare him a time slot on Thursday, July 8 to announce where he would land his free-agency deal which worth tens of millions of dollars.

In the special called "The Decision", James will tell former Espn and NBC reporter Jim Gray about his decision in the first 10 to 15 minutes of the 9 P.M. Et broadcast. "We're not going to string it along," said Norby Williamson, an executive vice president of Espn. "That wouldn't benefit anyone; not us, not sports fans, not LeBron." Meanwhile, Michael Wilbon who was also hand-picked by James will be in the Bristol, Conn., studio with Stuart Scott and Jon Barry to add material to the one hour telecast by interviewing the sportsman.
See full article at Aceshowbiz
  • 7/8/2010
  • by AceShowbiz.com
  • Aceshowbiz
Espn: LeBron special won't violate policy
New York -- Espn should reap big ratings for Thursday night's special "The Decision," when NBA superstar LeBron James will announce where he'll land in a free-agency deal worth tens of millions of dollars. And the network is taking extra care to make sure that its unusual structure -- James' marketing company is selling the ads and asked that a freelance reporter have a key role -- won't stray into any journalistic gray areas.

"Decision" will get primetime real estate on Espn, an hour or so at 9 p.m. Et, with James announcing where he will sign to freelancer Jim Gray within the first 10 or 15 minutes. Gray was handpicked by James to receive the announcement, reportedly in the New York suburb of Greenwich, Conn. Espn agreed but said that other personalities, including its Stuart Scott and Michael Wilbon, will also take part. Wilbon will interview James during the hour.

James' company,...
See full article at The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
  • 7/7/2010
  • by By Paul J. Gough
  • The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
George Michael
Pioneering Sports Machine host George Michael dies at 70
George Michael
One of television's biggest sports names long before people cared about the people who talked about sports on television has died.

George Michael, the sportscaster and longtime host of the nationally syndicated George Michael's Sports Machine, succumbed to a long battle with cancer on Thursday.

To call him ahead of his time would be an understatement. He basically invented the hyper clip style format of shows like Espn's SportsCenter, brought a great deal of personality to TV sports reporting and sportscasting and even inspired and mentored the likes of Pardon the Interruption's Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon.

 

Filed under: Sports, Obituaries, Reality-Free

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See full article at Aol TV.
  • 12/25/2009
  • by Danny Gallagher
  • Aol TV.
Eric Champnella
Mr. 3000
Eric Champnella
In his first at-bat as leading man, charismatic funnyman Bernie Mac delivers a winning turn as a retired 47-year-old baseball great making an unlikely comeback. Paired with a fiery Angela Bassett under the breezy, dynamic direction of Charles Stone III, Mac broadens his scope in Mr. 3000, showing off his athleticism and flexing some dramatic muscle. This tale of a lovable jerk who learns the meaning of sacrifice should capitalize on its star's sitcom popularity to hit one out of the park for Disney.

The instant he achieved his 3,000th career base hit, Milwaukee Brewers' Stan Ross (Mac) left his team in the midst of a pennant race in order to bask in retirement glory. Nine years later, he's living the entrepreneurial life in Milwaukee, where his Mr. 3000 shopping center and its flagship sports bar are a shrine unto himself. After the team retires his number, all that's left to seal the "certified immortality" he so craves is a slot in the Hall of Fame.

In anticipation of his nomination, the hall scrutinizes the record books and discovers that three of Stan's hits were counted twice. Hello, Mr. 2,997. Desperate to restore his crown and secure his spot in Cooperstown, Stan approaches the equally desperate Brewers. Although Stan has never been a team player, general manager Schembri (Chris Noth) welcomes his attendance-boosting presence on the fifth-place squad.

A lot is new since Stan was last on the roster: The team has switched to the National League, for starters. Pilates is part of the conditioning program, and the star of the team is T-Rex Pennebaker (Brian White, one-time player for the New England Patriots). The young hotshot is as mouthy and full of himself as Stan once was. That their adversarial relationship will shift to a mentoring connection is no surprise, but the script by Eric Champnella, Keith Mitchell and Howard Michael Gould makes its points with a light hand.

There are shades of Barry Bonds in Stan's refusal to play ball with the press. But Stan's driving force is sheer ego. Having shown he's not above ripping a record-making ball from the hands of a fan or baiting "stank-ass reporters," he's now a prime target for ridicule -- and a hot story. One of the journalists covering that story is his former flame Mo (Bassett), an ESPN reporter. Bassett brings a compelling mix of steeliness and passion to the character, who regards the one-time womanizer with guardedness, fighting her feelings for him.

There's a pleasing fortysomething credibility to the way their renewed romance plays out. And in a parallel to Stan's sudden old-timer status, Mo knows the network is sidelining her from onscreen work in favor of the next young thing.

Even with a couple of pauses for obvious Big Theme dialogue, the film never takes itself too seriously. Most of its observations unfold subtly in the midst of the laughs -- like the strange rituals of male communication between Stan and longtime pal Boca (Michael Rispoli), whose nickname reflects a preference for velour leisure suits more fitting to southern Florida than Wisconsin. Along the same lines, Paul Sorvino makes the most of an almost wordless role as the team's manager.

As a guy taking abuse from everyone from Tom Arnold to the Sausage Mascot (director Stone), Mac injects Stan's comic swagger with flashes of woundedness. Stone -- whose credits include Drumline and the "Whassup?!" Budweiser commercials -- has chosen actors who know their way around a diamond, lending immediacy and power to the game sequences. Shane Hurlbut's crisp lensing heightens the energy on the field and captures the shining design contributions. A strong element of the polished tech package is a fine selection of R&B favorites, propelling the story with a sure beat.

MR. 3000

Buena Vista Pictures

A Touchstone Pictures and Dimension Films presentation of a Barber and Birnbaum/Kennedy/Marshall production

Credits:

Director: Charles Stone III

Screenwriters: Eric Champnella, Keith Mitchell, Howard Michael Gould

Producers: Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum, Maggie Wilde

Executive producers: Jonathan Glickman, Frank Marshall, Steven Greener, Timothy M. Bourne

Director of photography: Shane Hurlbut

Production designer: Maher Ahmad

Music: John Powell

Co-producer: Derek Evans

Costume designer: Salvador Perez

Editor: Bill Pankow

Cast:

Stan Ross: Bernie Mac

Mo: Angela Bassett

Boca: Michael Rispoli

T-Rex Pennebaker: Brian White

Fukuda: Ian Anthony Dale

Fryman: Evan Jones

Minadeo: Amaury Nolasco

Skillett: Dondre Whitfield

Gus Panas: Paul Sorvino

Schembri: Chris Noth

As themselves: Tom Arnold, Ron Darling, Larry King, Tony Kornheiser, John Salley, Stuart Scott, Michael Wilbon, Jay Leno, Chris Rose, Peter Gammons

MPAA rating: PG-13

Running time -- 102 minutes...
  • 9/29/2004
  • The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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