Playing Ball with the Boys: the Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports Betsy Ross

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Playing Ball with the Boys: the Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports Betsy Ross Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports Betsy Ross Click here if your download doesn"t start automatically Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports Betsy Ross Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports Betsy Ross The use of female sideline reporters is the fastest-growing new aspect of televised broadcasts of professional and college football. Names like Suzy Kolber, Erin Andrews, and Andrea Kremer are now as well known as any of the men in the booth. In recent years women have been sports columnists and reporters, talk-show hosts, even coaches and team administrators. And yet there has never been a book about this phenomenon. Former ESPN news anchor Betsy Ross fills this void with Playing Ball with the Boys, a fascinating, behind- the-scenes look at the emerging role that women play in sports broadcasting and reporting as well as in the business of sports. Ross interviews a number of the biggest names—from Kolber and Kremer to USA Today columnist Christine Brennan and Lesley Visser and many others—who offer first-hand accounts of the struggles and the triumphs of women playing what has always been a man’s game. She provides a history of this unique facet of the sports world, from pioneering female newspaper sports reporters to the celebrated breakthrough into televised sports by former Miss America Phyllis George, who is interviewed in the book. Ross covers the controversial moments, from locker room confrontations between players and female reporters to the infamous sideline interview in which Joe Namath attempted to kiss Suzy Kolber during a live broadcast. Readers also learn of women who played pro sports on male teams or coached men’s teams. They meet a woman who runs a professional baseball team and another who is a team doctor. Through this tale, Ross weaves her own story, recalling how she went from a small town in Indiana to the anchor’s chair at the largest sports network in the world, ESPN. She explains what it’s like for a woman to succeed in the male-dominated world of sports broadcasting. Download Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in t ...pdf Read Online Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in ...pdf Download and Read Free Online Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports Betsy Ross From reader reviews: Loretta Faria: The e-book untitled Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports is the reserve that recommended to you to see. You can see the quality of the publication content that will be shown to you. The language that author use to explained their way of doing something is easily to understand. The article author was did a lot of investigation when write the book, therefore the information that they share to you is absolutely accurate. You also could get the e-book of Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports from the publisher to make you considerably more enjoy free time. Miriam Ellis: Many people spending their time frame by playing outside along with friends, fun activity with family or just watching TV the whole day. You can have new activity to spend your whole day by examining a book. Ugh, do you think reading a book can actually hard because you have to take the book everywhere? It alright you can have the e-book, having everywhere you want in your Cell phone. Like Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports which is obtaining the e-book version. So , why not try out this book? Let's find. Carlos Pollard: Within this era which is the greater person or who has ability to do something more are more important than other. Do you want to become certainly one of it? It is just simple method to have that. What you should do is just spending your time not very much but quite enough to get a look at some books. Among the books in the top checklist in your reading list is actually Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports. This book and that is qualified as The Hungry Mountains can get you closer in turning into precious person. By looking up and review this e-book you can get many advantages. James Smith: A lot of book has printed but it is different. You can get it by web on social media. You can choose the most effective book for you, science, comedy, novel, or whatever through searching from it. It is identified as of book Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports. You can contribute your knowledge by it. Without making the printed book, it could possibly add your knowledge and make you happier to read. It is most important that, you must aware about publication. It can bring you from one spot to other place. Download and Read Online Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports Betsy Ross #G9UKC2ZE1DL Read Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports by Betsy Ross for online ebook Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports by Betsy Ross Free PDF d0wnl0ad, audio books, books to read, good books to read, cheap books, good books, online books, books online, book reviews epub, read books online, books to read online, online library, greatbooks to read, PDF best books to read, top books to read Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports by Betsy Ross books to read online. Online Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports by Betsy Ross ebook PDF download Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports by Betsy Ross Doc Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports by Betsy Ross Mobipocket Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men's Sports by Betsy Ross EPub.
Recommended publications
  • 2004 Nfl Tv Plans, Announcers, Programming
    NFL KICKS OFF WITH NATIONAL TV THURSDAY NIGHT GAME; NFL TV 2004 THE NFL is the only sports league that televises all regular-season and postseason games on free, over-the-air network television. This year, the league will kick off its 85th season with a national television Thursday night game in a rematch of the 2003 AFC Championship Game when the Indianapolis Colts visit the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots on September 9 (ABC, 9:00 PM ET). Following is a guide to the “new look” for the NFL on television in 2004: • GREG GUMBEL will host CBS’ The NFL Today. Also joining the CBS pregame show are former NFL tight end SHANNON SHARPE and reporter BONNIE BERNSTEIN. • JIM NANTZ teams with analyst PHIL SIMMS as CBS’ No. 1 announce team. LESLEY VISSER joins the duo as the lead sideline reporter. • Sideline reporter MICHELE TAFOYA joins game analyst JOHN MADDEN and play-by-play announcer AL MICHAELS on ABC’s NFL Monday Night Football. • FOX’s pregame show, FOX NFL Sunday, will hit the road for up to seven special broadcasts from the sites of some of the biggest games of the season. • JAY GLAZER joins FOX NFL Sunday as the show’s NFL insider. • Joining ESPN is Pro Football Hall of Fame member MIKE DITKA. Ditka will serve as an analyst on a variety of shows, including Monday Night Countdown, NFL Live, SportsCenter and Monday Quarterback. • SAL PAOLANTONIO will host ESPN’s EA Sports NFL Match-Up (formerly Edge NFL Match-Up). NFL ANNOUNCER LINEUP FOR 2004 ABC NFL Monday Night Football: Al Michaels-John Madden-Michele Tafoya (Reporter).
    [Show full text]
  • What Is Sport? Pdf, Epub, Ebook
    WHAT IS SPORT? PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Roland Barthes | 80 pages | 20 Nov 2007 | Yale University Press | 9780300116045 | English | New Haven, CT, United States What Is Sport? PDF Book Throughout her career, she has won 90 international tournaments — the most wins for any female golfer. Some padded sports bras can feel bulky and uncomfortable, but the Padded Strappy Sports Bra is an exception to the rule. Once expensive luxuries, these cameras now come in many price points, putting them in financial reach of virtually every outdoor enthusiast. In honor of Biles achievements, two gymnastic moves were named after her. That the feats of the Cretans may have been both sport and ritual is suggested by evidence from Greece, where sports had a cultural significance unequaled anywhere else before the rise of modern sports. Schedules are also available by clicking on any team within the scoreboard to see the team's page, including the current season's schedule. I nflated Egos. Scroll down halfway and on the right-hand side you'll see a section to click on Schedule to see the current schedule. She was one of the original faces of ESPN, and there was a time when you could watch one of her shows at almost any time of day. In all probability, polo evolved from a far rougher game played by the nomads of Afghanistan and Central Asia. Article Contents. Despite the clarity of the definition, difficult questions arise. The performance rests on your shoulders, and you receive all of the credit for your victory. Considering the extreme success of the show she hosts alongside Stephen A.
    [Show full text]
  • NFL Draft Commentators 2021
    March 24, 2021 ESPN AND ABC ANNOUNCE COMMENTATOR TEAMS FOR THE 2021 NFL DRAFT IN CLEVELAND Mike Greenberg to Debut as Host of ESPN’s 42nd NFL Draft Telecast ABC to Present All Three Days of This Signature NFL Event for the Third Consecutive Year with Primetime Broadcasts Featuring the College GameDay Team Beginning April 29 The Walt Disney Company’s team of veteran hosts, analysts and insiders will present the 2021 NFL Draft live coast to coast from Cleveland beginning Thursday, April 29, at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT on ESPN and ABC. For the third consecutive year, ESPN and ABC will provide distinct primetime presentations on Day 1 and 2. ESPN will again offer the traditional draft telecast – a combination of X’s and O’s analysis, player highlights and storytelling – while ABC, featuring the 11-time Sports Emmy® Award-winning College GameDay Built by The Home Depot crew, will cover the event with an emphasis on the individual journeys of NFL Draft prospects. On ESPN, Mike Greenberg will deBut as host mere months ahead of his 25th company anniversary. GreenBerg will lead ESPN’s 42nd NFL Draft on Day 1 and 2 with senior NFL Draft analyst Mel KiPer Jr., covering his 38th draft, and NFL analysts Louis Riddick, his seventh, and Booger McFarland, his third. ESPN’s event coverage will also feature Senior NFL Insiders Chris Mortensen, covering his 31st draft, and Adam Schefter, his 12th, and NFL host Suzy Kolber, who will cover the event for the 18th year and interview draftees.
    [Show full text]
  • PDF Converter-Xvpauqxd4656
    Buy Cheap/Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys,NHL Jerseys,MLB Jerseys,NBA Jerseys,NFL Jerseys,NCAA Jerseys,Custom Jerseys,Soccer Jerseys,Sports Caps Online Save 70% Off,Athletics Jerseys,Free Shipping We Are One Of The Jerseys Wholesaler.Tweet Tweet DOLPHINS JETS SERIES LEADER 47-42-1 STREAKS four having to do with past 5 COACHES VS. OPP. Sparano: 4-2 Ryan: 1-3 LAST WEEK Bye (Wk. 4: L 26-16 among the many Chargers) L 30-21 one of the many Patriots LAST GAME 12/12/10: Dolphins 10 at Jets 6. Miami advances for more information regarding 10-0 1st-quarter often on the grounds that Dan Carpenter kicks 47-yard FG & QB Chad Henne area rugs 6-yard TD pass for more information about WR Brandon Marshall. LAST GAME AT SITE 12/12/10 BROADCAST ESPN (8:30 PM ET): Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden,custom baseball jersey, Ron Jaworski,hockey jerseys custom, Suzy Kolber (Field correspondent Westwood One Radio: Kevin Harlan,custom basketball jerseys, Boomer Esiason, Steve Tasker (Field correspondent SIRIUS: 88 (WW1), 92 (Mia.), 93 (NYJ). XM: 88 (WW1), 225 (Mia.),new football jerseys, 226 (NYJ). STATS PASSING Mat. Moore: 17-26-167-0-1-67.3 Sanchez: 97-173-1,nfl nike jerseys,171-8-5-80.4 RUSHING Thomas (R): 41-202-4.9-0 Greene: 72-240-3.3-2 RECEIVING Marshall: 22-313-14.2-1 Keller (TE): 19-268- 14.1-2 OFFENSE 352.eight 297.four TAKE/GIVE -5 +1 DEFENSE 414.five 337.eight SACKS Wake: 3 three tied: two INTs Odrick, Wilson: 1 Cromartie: 3 (T1L) PUNTING B.
    [Show full text]
  • Upper Dublin High School Alumni Hall of Fame Inaugural Class Induction
    Upper Dublin High School Alumni Hall of Fame Inaugural Class Induction March 24, 2017 Upper Dublin High School Performing Arts Center Fort Washington, PA Upper Dublin High School Alumni Hall of Fame Mission Statement The Upper Dublin Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes and honors alumni of Upper Dublin High School for outstanding achievements or significant contributions in the categories of: Arts, Entertainment & Communications Business & Law Education Government & Military Medicine, Science & Technology Philanthropy & Community Service The Alumni Hall of Fame reaffirms the excellence of the Upper Dublin educational experience and provides role models for current Upper Dublin students. Candidates are eligible for consideration 10 years or more following graduation and must be of strong moral character. The award may be presented posthumously. The Upper Dublin Alumni Hall of Fame is a collaborative effort of the Upper Dublin Education Foundation (UDEF) and the School District of Upper Dublin. Upper Dublin High School Alumni Hall of Fame PROGRAM National Anthem (please stand) UDHS Alma Mater (remain standing, words are printed on the next page) Welcome Deborah Wheeler Introduction of Selection Committee Heidi Yutzler-Overton, Chairperson PRESENTATION OF AWARDS Arts, Entertainment & Communications • Suzy Kolber (1982) Kim McArthur Callahan • Josh Tower (1988) Sally Hansen Malley • Josh Singer (1990) Deborah Wheeler • John Tartaglia (1996) John Rodgers Business & Law • Michael R. Stiles (1963) Jeff Wallack • Scott, Guy & Jonathan Orens Susan Badger Lohoefer (1972) (1974) (1978) • Alex Furmansky (2003) Kim McArthur Callahan Education • Robert C. Field (1958) Robert Schultz • Rudi K. Klobach (1962) Art Levinowitz • Richard Mitchell Brown, III (1964) Susan Badger Lohoefer Seasons of Love performed by the UDHS Cast of Rent Government & Military • George R.
    [Show full text]
  • ON the EDGE S Troy Polamalu Arnold Palmer | GOLFING LEGEND 29 Chidi Iwuoma CB 5-8 184 2-19-78 5 California Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander Vs
    E8 ∑ THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2006 ∑ E9 Telecast: 6 p.m. | Kickoff: 6:25 p.m. Ford Field, CELEBRITY PREDICTIONS STEELERS GAME DAY TV: WSYX (Channel 6) Detroit ∑ Web site: www.steelers.com ABC | Announcers: Al Michaels (play-by-play), John Madden (analysis), ∑ Capacity: 67,500 Jamie Foxx | ACTOR/SINGER Regular season Michelle Tafoya (sideline), Suzy Kolber (sideline) Pittsburgh. If you look at Pittsburgh’s history, the way they ∑ Surface: FieldTurf play football. Defense wins championships. ∑ 11-5 (second in AFC North Division; home 5-3, road 6-2) Radio: WBNS-AM (1460) ∑ Opened: 2004 ∑ Wild-card playoff berth CBS/Westwood One | Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play), Boomer Sen. John Kerry | D-MASS. Road to Super Bowl XL Esiason (analysis), John Dockery (sideline), Bonnie Bernstein (sideline) Pittsburgh. It’s going to be a high-scoring game. 31-28. ∑ Wild-card round: def. Cincinnati 31-17 (road) Pregame TV Favorite Why? Five words: Pittsburgh’s own Teresa Heinz Kerry. ∑ Divisional round: def. Indianapolis 21-18 (road) ESPN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | ABC: 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Ch. 6) ∑ AFC championship: def. Denver 34-17 (road) Condoleezza Rice | SECRETARY OF STATE NFL Network: noon to 5:30 p.m. I picked Pittsburgh to beat Cincinnati. I have picked Playoff record: 28-18 (.609) | Super Bowl record: 4-1 (.800) against them every game since. I’m not picking against Entertainment them again. Roster 4Ä National anthem: Aaron Neville, Aretha Franklin, Dr. John Web sites Coach: Bill Cowher (14th season: 141-82-1, .632; playoffs, 11-9) PITTSBURGH STEELERS (14-5) VS.
    [Show full text]
  • 2009-12-New Orleans:Layout 1.Qxd
    NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 2009 WEEKLY MEDIA INFORMATION GUIDE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS VS. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS NOV. 30, 2009 @ LOUISIANA SUPERDOME GAME INFORMATION • ROSTERS • DEPTH CHART STATISTICS • MINIBIOS • CLIPS NEW ORLEANS SAINTS HOST NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS IN MONDAY NIGHT MATCHUP Following a 38-7 victory in Tampa Bay, plete only 17-of-33 passes for 126 yards with one where efficiency on offense, defense and special touchdown, three interceptions, one lost fumble teams carried them to the finish, the New lost and a 33.1 passer rating. DE Will Smith con- Orleans Saints will seek to at least retain their tinued his dominant play in the month of one game lead atop the NFC standings under the November with five tackles and one sack, his shine of Monday Night Football when they host sixth quarterback takedown in four games. He the New England Patriots (7-3) on a nationally leads the club and is tied for second in the NFC televised contest. and fifth in the NFL with 8.5 sacks and three The Saints enter the matchup against forced fumbles. Rookie CB Malcolm Jenkins one of the NFL’s top juggernauts, who have col- recorded an interception in his first NFL start, lected four Super Bowl appearances and three while he was joined in the pick parade by S Chris championships over the past ten years, with a Reis and LB Jonathan Vilma. 10-0 record, riding their first ten game win streak Monday’s matchup will feature two of in franchise history. The Saints and the the NFL’s most prolific offenses over the past Indianapolis Colts are the only unbeaten NFL three seasons, as both the Saints and the teams remaining entering week 12.
    [Show full text]
  • At First, ESPN Was Just a Tiny Station in a Field in The-Middle-Of-Nowhere
    ----, §�ase:"th ravingsentered of an ESPN addict \ I\ fhlch Sportscenter do you Foo'tball, Sunday Night Football. birthday, my mind harked bac:k to a V V watch? Tueiooay Night Football, Thursday simpler day; a day when I didn't Uh, all of them. A�+moon at 3:52 p.m. Football, know rn0te than 50 people who A few weeks ago, the and Dic:kVitale, is a c:ontinually could name more than ono c:ontes­ Entenainment and Spom Network. groWtng monster. The public's tant. lei alone any, ,n the World's the sell-proclaimed Worldwide apdet;ie for eports programming Strongest Man Competition. Leader In Sportamore c:ommonly naJgrown so large ii seems Iha Forbes Cowan and Riku l<iri, thank known as ESPN. celebrated ita on sporting evenu not televised you very much. twentieth blnhday with a special ann,verserv show. To this columnist. the paHing of At first, ESPN was just a thic,milestone repr858nted e chance to ,ot back and reflect on all tiny station in a field in that has c:omeand gone rn the wort<I of sports televisionsince ESPN debuted hvo from Bnstol, The-Middle-Of-Nowhere, Connecticut In September of 1979 onnecticut. Now they are Private eyes During tho past two sumrnet$, I a nine-building, five-TV worked at Fox Sports and ESPN, respectively. Through my lnt11m· eh,ps I was able to see first hand network, one-radio net­ the Ins and oun of modern sports broadcasting I found out what work, one-magazine, four­ exac1ly sot. bump, Infinite " and y and chic:lett are.
    [Show full text]
  • Genesis Joins Espn's Monday Night Football As Halftime
    1 GENESIS JOINS ESPN’S MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL AS HALFTIME PROGRAM, SERIES PARTNER Monday Night Football Halftime to Include Music Performances Throughout the Season Offered Commercial Free, Courtesy of Genesis FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., September 10, 2018 – The Monday Night Football halftime show will have a new marquee sponsor, luxury automotive brand, Genesis, when the season kicks off on Monday, September 10, with a doubleheader on ESPN. This year marks the 49th season of Monday Night Football, making it sports television’s longest- running series. The Genesis Monday Night Football Halftime Show will be hosted by Suzy Kolber with Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young and Louis Riddick. A special custom opening each week featuring landmarks and vistas from the host city will introduce that week’s musical artist and flow into the halftime show, which will be presented commercial free, courtesy of Genesis. The cornerstone of the agreement will be a unique musical performance to close the halftime show, by a different artist each week. In week one, Boyz II Men will perform a special tribute to Aretha Franklin in Detroit with special guest Tori Kelly. On select Monday nights, these performances will take place live, on the field, during halftime of the Monday Night Football game. Some of the additional artists to be featured during the season include Zac Brown Band, Ciara and Daughtry. Genesis will be incorporated into Monday Night Football through a number of branding elements, including on-screen graphics, desk signage, tune-in messaging, audio Genesis 10550 Talbert Avenue Fountain Valley, CA 92708 USA www.genesisnewsusa.com 2 mentions and more.
    [Show full text]
  • DUCK TALES ESPN Back on the Track
    NWS 12-30-05 14C 14C FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2005 • NWS SPORTS sun-sentinel.com • SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL BEST AND DUCK DETAILS WORST SEASON The 2005-06 duck season runs through Jan. 29. Canvasback OF 2005 season ends today. The Youth Waterfowl Hunting What captured headlines Days for children under 16 are Feb. in sports broadcasting. 5-6. Wrapping up 2005, a broadcast sports year in which the games came blasting out BAG LIMIT of TVs (big and little), radios (transistor and Six ducks per hunter satellite), computers and phones. per day. The daily The national stories: limit shall consist of 1. NBC regains the NFL with showcase no more than one Sunday night games and flexible late-season black duck, one schedule — there will be no 2-12 teams mottled duck, one playing deep into December — starting in fulvous whistling 2006. Bob Costas, Cris Collinsworth and duck, one pintail, John Madden will be the voices. two redheads, two Collinsworth is great in the studio but may wood ducks, two do play-by-play with Madden. scaup (bluebills), 2. Monday Night Football leaves ABC four scoters and four after 36 years for ESPN. It’s still Monday NEXT TIME BRING A RETRIEVER: George Perkins wades back to the blind with a couple of ducks. Perkins, who mallards (no more Night Football and it’s still Disney. Al than two hens). All hunts deer and squirrels, said he had “no idea there could be that many ducks” to hunt. Staff photos/Steve Waters Michaels is staying with Joe Theismann as other species of his broadcast partner.
    [Show full text]
  • Buy Cheap/Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys,NHL Jerseys,MLB Jerseys
    Buy Cheap/Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys,NHL Jerseys,MLB Jerseys,NBA Jerseys,NFL Jerseys,NCAA Jerseys,Custom Jerseys,Soccer Jerseys,Sports Caps Online Save 70% Off,Free Shipping We Are One Of The Jerseys Wholesaler.Brendan Mikkelson was sitting as part of your seal of approval bar all the way through Tuesday night?¡¥s game when fellow defenseman James Wisniewski was hit as part of your chest with a multi functional worn-out judging by the Red Wings?¡¥ Pavel Datsyuk.,nba authentic jersey Datsyuk?¡¥s used up to the left Wisniewski allowing an individual a multi functional lung contusion and a multi functional 36-hour stay as part of your hospital. It also to the left a multi functional hoover as part of your Ducks?¡¥ guarding lineup. Coach Randy Carlyle said throughout the Wednesday that a minimum of one of about three options ¡§C Brian Salcido,Angels Jerseys, Brendan Mikkelson,cheap mlb authentic jerseys,hats mlb, Brett Festerling ¡§C might be that the many individuals likely fills in as well as Wisniewski when the Ducks battle going to be the Detroit Red Wings all over the Game 4 having to do with their conference semifinal tv shows. The about three youngsters spent the majority to do with the regular season playing as well as for going to be the Ducks?¡¥ AHL affiliate everywhere in the Iowa but shelled out much of the some time allowing you to have going to be the NHL golf club. Salcido played in many NHL games this season. Mikkelson played upon 34, and Festerling appeared all around the 40.
    [Show full text]
  • ESPN: MNF Dilemma: How to Entice Casual Fans, Not Alienate Purists
    ESPN.com - MNF dilemma: How to entice casual fans, not alienate purists Page 1 of 4 ESPN.com: Schreiber [Print without images] Sunday, February 10, 2008 Updated: February 11, 4:25 PM ET MNF dilemma: How to entice casual fans, not alienate purists By Le Anne Schreiber ESPN Ombudsman In this brief interval between the end of ESPN's lavish NFL season coverage and the beginning of its equally lavish offseason coverage, I want to look back at its marquee NFL show --" Monday Night Football." MNF is ESPN's most expensive, most watched and, almost by definition, most criticized show. Minutes after 8:30 p.m. every Monday this fall and early winter, my mailbox began to balloon with messages from a segment of fans who were unhappy even before the kickoff. They didn't need to see the game to know what they didn't like. They did not like seeing three men in the booth. They wanted two -- a play-by-play announcer and an analyst who stuck to X's and 0's. They did not want a color commentator. They did not want sideline reporters, especially female ones. They wanted no talk of off-the-field matters. They wanted no booth guests. These viewers offered a hard knot of resistance to MNF from first game to last, and I imagine they are ESPN's nightmare -- they are football's true faithful, purists important to please, and yet perhaps impossible to please while MNF seeks an audience large enough to justify its eight-year, $8.8 billion rights contract with the NFL.
    [Show full text]