Humor is often said to be mankind’s best friend. For all the memories that professional sports provide, there is often humor stuck in the moments of glory. For every catch, there is a drop. For every step, there is a stumble. That’s where VICE Sports is putting its focus in a new series called Sports Gone Wrong, which dives into the absurd, unexpected, and bizarre moments in sports. With comedy at the series’ forefront, the series enlisted the services of comedian and impressionist Joey Mulinaro to serve as the show’s narrator.
“Once they knew I was interested, they came back to me and said, ‘Glad that you’re interested. Would you want to narrate the entire thing?’ I said absolutely, I think that’d be great,” said Mulinaro. “We recorded it in January, February, March—I think like four episodes, three episodes, and three episodes. Some long days in the recording studio, but it’s been a blast to work on, and I’m just excited about it being out now.”
The series debuted last month with each episode blending comedic commentary with archival footage of the biggest debacles in sports. Mulinaro is no stranger to the big stage. Several of his impressions have gone viral on social media, leading to opportunities on programs both in national television and radio. However, for Mulinaro, the opportunity with VICE was a first in his career.
“I’ve had some different voice acting roles that I’ve done that have been real minor things, but this is the biggest and first project that I’ve been able to sink my teeth into and take claim to,” said Mulinaro on his first voyage into narration.
To prepare for the role of narrator, Mulinaro recalled the voices he followed from his sports background. He is an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the narration style of John Facenda. Once he received the tone and direction of the series, he pivoted to a more upbeat, high-energy, and quick-paced delivery for the role.
Sports Are Meant To Be Fun and Funny
Sports Gone Wrong is a show that showcases the fun of what makes sports special and unique, but also in a bite-sized and comedic form to appeal to a younger demographic. With many sports programming networks attempting to do the same, while independent digital outlets are already dominating how younger audiences consume sports content, Mulinaro noted that networks should consider changing the formula of their programming to cater to a younger demo.
“I love my teams. I love the games. I love being a part of it, but instead of the mind-numbing debates about arbitrary things that nobody can put their finger on an absolute answer—or the X’s and O’s—instead of that, you’re coming to me to have a laugh about different things that happen on a broadcast or different personalities that you’re listening to on those broadcasts,” suggested Mulinaro. “That’s definitely a way to go about it in a way that’s having a lot of success.”
As a rabid fan of the Indiana Pacers, Mulinaro was keeping tabs through every game of the NBA Finals. While he didn’t watch all the coverage supplied by ESPN surrounding the Finals, he was aware of the criticism the coverage was receiving. Mulinaro’s comedic mind began considering offering his skills to the conversation, as he was confused by the network’s approach to coverage—seemingly harming instead of lifting the game.
“The way that it [NBA Finals] was covered, I just never understood having what the network was providing essentially eating itself,” said Mulinaro. “Talking about how bad of a product it’s going to be, how it’s not going to be a close series, how there’s no star power and no coastal power. I didn’t want to listen to any of that.”
Mulinaro was considering creating a sketch where talking heads on ESPN would be featured live from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The sketch would surround discussions about anything but the NBA Finals taking place that evening.
“That’s what it felt like. It’s like, we’re here and this is the reason why we must be here—but who’s going to coach the Knicks?” joked Mulinaro. “What house in Indianapolis or Oklahoma City wants to have that on? It’s nonsense. The bar I was at last night had the slippery stair championships on beforehand. I’d rather watch this. This is more entertaining than listening to the folks up there bicker and moan and talk about how Tyrese Haliburton’s not a superstar. What does that even mean? It’s the most subjective conversations happening at the worst possible times.”
Mulinaro Reflecting on His Time With Barstool Sports
Mulinaro’s skills of impersonation really took off in 2019. He created his impression of Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban explaining his favorite Thanksgiving dishes became a viral sensation. His efforts led him to sign a two-year deal with Barstool Sports in 2020, in which his impressions continued to build attention and audience. Mulinaro left Barstool following the conclusion of his contract in 2022, but is thankful for the opportunity and time he spent with the digital media giant.
“I really enjoyed my time that I was there for two years,” said Mulinaro. “My contract was up, and we just went separate ways.”
Nearly three years after his departure from Barstool Sports, Mulinaro’s audience has followed. He has landed opportunities with brand deals and partnerships with FanDuel and Snickers, among other brands—allowing him the freedom to continue creating his own sketches and characters. He said he still follows and consumes Barstool Sports content on a regular basis.
“I got no hard feelings. I’m appreciative of the opportunity that I had,” explained Mulinaro. “It was a wild run, especially at that time in the world—2020 and in the midst of COVID and everything. It was definitely wild times, but I’m just super thankful that I was able to be a part of it.”
Mulinaro’s approach to his viral impersonations has always been to lift the characters of sports media. He targets talent that he enjoys, and never to take shots with the impression. From Saban to Cris Collinsworth, Rob Gronkowski, and Colin Cowherd, among others, Mulinaro has never received negative feedback on his efforts because of his approach. As he provides his voice—and some impressions as well—for VICE Sports in narrating Sports Gone Wrong, Mulinaro said he’d be open to lending his narration voice to his former employer if there were an opportunity to work together on a documentary idea down the line.
“I’m open to any and all possibilities,” said Mulinaro. “I’m really happy where I am and with what I’m doing. Those folks over there are super talented. I’m sure they wouldn’t even think or need the idea of having me be a part of something like that. If they did, I’d wish them well. But again, I’m open to anything.”
Continuing To Adapt to a Changing Landscape
Following the advice of his father, Mulinaro is adding more pitches to his arsenal instead of just throwing fastballs. His passions for writing, acting, comedy, voice acting, and social media have led him to the opportunity as the narrating voice of Sports Gone Wrong. He’s added a change-up to his approach on the mound—always ready for the next start.
“To be able to have so many different things that I can do and show people what I can do, I take great pride in that,” explained Mulinaro. “I had such a great experience with VICE and everybody on this show. The whole idea of Sports Gone Wrong has been so fun. I’d love to do a Season 2, a Season 3, and run it back. There’s obviously a whole lot of absurdity and craziness that you could keep diving into in the sports world. So I would absolutely, 100% sign up to do it again.”
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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.
