Shan & RJ was on the air Friday morning in Dallas as news of layoffs at ESPN was just beginning to break. Shan Shariff admitted that he was disappointed to see the first name to become public.
“I loved him,” the 105.3 The Fan morning man said when he learned Jeff Van Gundy was out. “When we talk about not watching a game because of a personality, I apply that to Van Gundy. I would watch a random NBA game with two teams I didn’t particularly care about if Van Gundy was on the call.”
At 61 years old, it is fair to think that Jeff Van Gundy’s media career may not be over. Shariff wonders if the former NBA coach would ever give radio a try.
“He’s interesting. He’ll be a fascinating sports talk host.”
RJ Choppy bemoaned what was happening at ESPN, saying that smaller names have to go to accommodate the bigger stars’ salaries.
“You’ve got to pay Pat McAfee and Stephen Smith and Joe Buck and Troy Aikman and Scott Van Pelt. You got to pay those guys. And that’s what they’re doing. They’re purging everybody else.”
Choppy added that he has always stood ESPN’s philosophy to be that content is what matters most. The talent is interchangeable. As far as he is concerned, it is clear that is the thinking at ESPN Radio.
Shariff said that there is evidence that if that is the company’s strategy, it is time to rethink.
“ESPN can make you a star, no doubt it. They can make you a star. But I mean, if it was about the content, then we would still know ESPN Radio’s lineup and personalities, and we don’t. They’re nonexistent.”
News broke earlier this month that ESPN Radio would be canceling its morning show Keyshawn, JWill and Max. On Friday, Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson were let go. Jay Williams’s contract is set to expire in the next three months.
Demetri Ravanos is a columnist and features writer for Barrett Media. He is also the creator of The Sports Podcast Festival, and a previous host on the Chewing Clock and Media Noise podcasts. He occasionally fills in on stations across the Carolinas in addition to hosting Panthers and College Football podcasts. His radio resume includes stops at WAVH and WZEW in Mobile, AL, WBPT in Birmingham, AL and WBBB, WPTK and WDNC in Raleigh, NC.
You can find him on Twitter @DemetriRavanos or reach him by email at DemetriTheGreek@gmail.com.
