Sports radio fans have grown to know the name Scott Ferrall for over four decades. The no-holds-barred entertainer has performed in nearly every nook and cranny of the sports media business. From hosting programs on terrestrial, satellite, and digital properties, Ferrall has cultivated a growing and devoted following for his no-nonsense approach to sports and entertainment.
“I have this shock jock reputation. All this trouble, other nonsense and bulls**t that they say about me,” said Ferrall. “I’ve been on nationally for over 35 years, 41 years in the business. I’ve only done enormous gigs. Even with SportsGrid, I turned it into an enormous gig for me because I made it that way. I took nothing and turned it into something huge. Whatever I touch in this business turns to gold.”
Last month, Ferrall was one of several cuts at the digital 24-hour sports wagering network SportsGrid. He hosted two programs on the network — Ferrall Coast-To-Coast and In-Game LIVE — since joining SportsGrid in 2020. While providing his skills to SportsGrid, Ferrall produced a side venture with Micky “The Prophet” Faust on Prophetable.tv.
Weeks after his dismissal from SportsGrid, Ferrall says he believed he produced a quality program for the network and had never once had any issues.
“They made decisions and obviously restructured it,” explained Ferrall. “The last couple of years, my agent told me a couple of times that they didn’t like the money they were giving me. In that regard I would say, you cut the deal with me. They were fine when they cut the deal. Years later I think they may have not liked paying me that much money. Whatever.”
Moving on From SportsGrid
Ferrall began with SportsGrid during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He built a home studio to house production of his program for the network. After signing in 2020, SportsGrid co-founder and President Louis Malone told Forbes he saw Ferrall as the “face of the network” following Ferrall leaving his nationally syndicated radio show on CBS Sports Radio.
Five years later, Ferrall was fired by SportsGrid as he laid by the pool.
“All shows end. Simple as that, all shows end,” noted Ferrall. “It was kind of candy a** for me, no big deal. I’m a big boy. I didn’t cry or run to the bottle or run to my mommy’s nipple.”
Instead of sitting on the sidelines, Ferrall got back to work. He continued producing the Ferrall & The Prophet podcast, increasing the length of each episode.
According to Ferrall, the growth in the podcast’s reach since making the changes has been up over 500%. He is leaning on his devoted following following his exit from SportsGrid. Ferrall admits the freedom of not being tied to SportsGrid allows him to return to being himself without any restrictions.
“Radio has had a hard time competing with great podcasts. Podcasts are killing radio,” said Ferrall. “I did those podcasts at SportsGrid. They did well on Apple and iHeart. This show is going to be a thousand times better than those shows. Those shows were pu**y podcasts. This show is full-on bad a**. It gives people exactly what they want.”
Ferrall has never shied away from incorporating sports gambling content into his programming over the years. With legalization of sports wagering becoming more the norm around the country, Ferrall considers himself ahead of the game in attracting the attention of the consumer who chooses to wager.
However, he has noticed since beginning with SportsGrid just five years ago that the sports betting content industry has more players than it really needs — players Ferrall believes are fake and hurt the perception of the industry.
“There’s a saturation of it. There’s a lot of people doing it that are blowing smoke. Talking about how genius they are,” said Ferrall. “A lot of people on TV and radio now are blowing smoke about all these big bets they make. I’d say about half or more are full of s**t, and they don’t even go to the sportsbook. They don’t make bets… A lot of these shows, these guys are acting like they’re betting. I think they’re full of s**t.”
Another trend Ferrall has noticed with more states legalizing the practice of sports betting is the amount of commercials and marketing surrounding it. Brands such as FanDuel and DraftKings and others have massively increased their advertising spend over time, which Ferrall relates to brainwashing the consumer.
Another trend he feels hurts the perception and highlights the dangers of sports wagering.
“They brainwash people. They run those ads so many god d**n times, you want to kill yourself watching them,” exclaimed Ferrall. “They’re so painful, and they just cram them down your f***ing throat during football season. My God, I need a shrink. I see so many of the betting commercials. Some of them are so bad and so embarrassing. Some of their ads, it’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to television.”
Howard Stern Being “Cancelled” by SiriusXm?
When Ferrall was hosting programs on SportsGrid, the digital 24-hour sports wagering network was able to secure a deal with SiriusXM in 2021 — a deal Ferrall credits to his previous relationships with the satellite radio company. SportsGrid no longer airs on the satellite radio distributor.
Previously Ferrall hosted programs on SiriusXM under Howard Stern’s Howard 101 channel from 2006–2012 and still maintains a solid relationship with the talk radio icon.
With recent headlines of Stern’s program reportedly being canceled by SiriusXM because of an expiring contract, Ferrall hopes for the best outcome for all parties involved in the decision.
“I went to parties with Howard, and he would always say he’s not going to do it forever to me. That he was going to retire. I never believed him because he was just so awesome at doing it,” said Ferrall.
Ferrall stays connected with many longtime friends at SiriusXM who work for Stern. He understands that times have changed, and so has Stern, like any other talent. Ferrall hopes whatever the outcome is, he has nothing but respect for the legacy Stern has in the media industry.
“I wish nothing but the greatest things in life for my pal Howard Stern,” said Ferrall. “I would never think I knew anything about what’s going on with that deal, because I don’t. I flat out don’t know anything about it. Some of my friends have told me one thing or another about it, and I don’t really want to get my hands dirty in that mess.”
Ferrell “Off” the Bench Sooner Than Later
With over four decades in the industry and success at every stop he’s made. It’s fair to wonder if the 60-year-old Ferrall would consider a return to radio following his removal from SportsGrid. While he says he would never recommend beginning a career in the industry to even his own son, a return could be in the works for the elder Ferrall.
“Would I do it again in the right circumstances? Yes,” said Ferrall. “In the right setting, yes I would do it. There’s been some talk about me doing some stuff. There’s been some calls. There’s been some people that have approached me about things. We’ll see where it goes.”
Ferrall admittedly is not a fan of what he terms as “suits” and has been disappointed in the way radio stations are currently being run. Although there has been interest in business lately, he wishes TV and radio executives would stay out of the entertainment portion of the business, allowing performers to entertain.
Could one last ride be left in the tank for Scott Ferrall? As long as he’s having fun on his timeline, it could be a wager worth betting on.
“I am an old fart. I’m close to being finished. Six years from now, I’ll be done,” said Ferrall. “I’m not one of these guys that’s going to linger until he’s 75. I want to live life, and I want to stop doing this at some point. Right now is not the time. I’m having too much fun, and we’ll see where this goes.”
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
