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Michael Kay: First Take ‘NHL Doesn’t Count’ Comments Were Obviously Disrespect

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A response from Michael Kay during an appearance on First Take went viral Thursday after host Molly Qerim and panelist Stephen A. Smith agreed that the New York Rangers “don’t count” in a topic on who the most likely champion from New York would be.

During The Michael Kay Show Thursday, Kay recapped his appearance on the ESPN program and argued that even though Smith and Qerim tried to couch their opinion, it was still the truth in their eyes.

“‘No disrespect’, she said, but if you say it doesn’t count, that’s disrespect,” Kay said. “The Rangers are built to win the Stanley Cup! So I said the Rangers.”

Co-host Don La Greca argued that Qerim was expertly covering for Stephen A. Smith, who obviously wasn’t going to be able to converse about the potential of the New York Rangers winning the Stanley Cup.

Kay joked that his trip to the studios to appear on First Take wasn’t worth it, saying “I was in the car for two hours and on the set for 15 minutes.”

When asked by co-host Peter Rosenberg if he wanted to be on the show for the whole two hours, Kay said “You could even brand it. Stephen A. and Michael Kay. It rhymes!”

After the comments went viral, Smith asked critics to “relax”, noting that he was just “having a good time” on the program.

Gary Cohen: I Have A Truly Special Bond With Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling

BSM Staff
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When the New York Mets season begins on March 30, Gary Cohen, Ron Darling, and Keith Hernandez will begin their 18th season calling Mets baseball on SNY. Once the first pitch is thrown, the trio will be the longest-running broadcast crew in Mets history, passing the great trio of Lindsey Nelson, Bob Murphy, and Ralph Kiner.

Cohen was a guest on the latest episode of the Starkville podcast as part of The Athletic Baseball Show: A show about MLB with Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville. He said that the trio have formed a great bond since that first season when none of them had an idea as to where the TV journey would take them.

“I think that Keith, Ron, and I have had a really special bond and I think it started from Day 1 because honestly when they put us together in 2006, none of us really had any idea what we were doing. I was a radio guy moving to TV, Keith had kind of dabbled, but he hadn’t taken it seriously and Ron had done one year in Washington with very little direction and really was not particularly accomplished. I think we all leaned on each other from Day 1.”

So, what has been the key to their success? Cohen thought it was because none of them looks to be the star of the broadcast and that they want everyone else to do well.

“Nobody wants to be the star. Everybody allows everybody else to shine. We genuinely get along with each other and we have a lot of fun. I think being in a dark room when we started and not really knowing what direction we were going, we kind of had to hold hands to find our way and I think we’ve done that.”

Cohen told Stark and Glanville that he does take the time to talk to young broadcasters and he tries to be helpful and honest with his advice. He has been impressed at the amount of talent that has entered the business over the years.

“One of the things that has really impressed me over the last dozen years or so is how much young talent is coming into our business. I think there was a while there where I felt as though some of the people who would be best suited to be broadcasters were choosing other fields. I think because of the spread of different cable networks and the greater availability of sports on radio and TV has attracted more really bright talented young people into the business. I really enjoy talking to them and I try to do as much as I can for them.”

Before SNY, Cohen was in the radio booth calling Mets games on WFAN for 17 years and he got to call games with Bob Murphy, which he still can’t believe.

“I grew up listening to Bob, Lindsey, and Ralph. They were the soundtrack of summers and they were the voices that meant Mets baseball. Just to have the opportunity to sit next to Bob Murphy for 15 years in the radio booth, I pinch myself every day that this was actually happening.”

Cohen told the duo that when he got to SNY, he never thought that it would have gone as well as it has.

“I was a radio chauvinist and I really had no intention of ever moving over to TV. But, when SNY started, they courted me and I reluctantly accepted. I never could have dreamed it would have gone this well.”

The trio of Cohen, Hernandez, and Darling have established themselves as one of the more informative and entertaining broadcast booths in all of baseball and it brings a lot of Mets fans joy to hear them call the games on a nightly basis as they reach this historic landmark together. 

Royals Add Mike Sweeney, Jeremy Guthrie To Broadcast Crew

BSM Staff
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Royals Add Mike Sweeney, Jeremy Guthrie To Broadcast Crew

Kansas City Royals fans will have to get used to a virtually brand-new product in the broadcast booth this season. They already knew that there would be a new voice of the team on Bally Sports Midwest following the retirement of Steve Physioc. Now we are learning more about the people that will fill the analyst’s chair.

Mike Sweeney and Jeremy Guthrie have been added to the broadcast crew and they will be busy. Their schedules will see them make appearances on pre and postgame shows. They will also join new play-by-play man Jake Eisenberg in the booth occasionally for TV and even do some time on the radio broadcast.

The Royals have a large broadcast crew. In addition to Eisenberg, Sweeney, and Guthrie will also work with Denny Matthews, Ryan Lefebvre, Rex Hudler, Joel Goldberg, Jeff Montgomery, and Steve Stewart.

“To join an already incredible team, and to do it with guys that I love being around — and most importantly for the team I have loved since I was 17 years old and the Kansas City Royals drafted me — it’s a dream come true,” Mike Sweeney said in a press release.

Sweeney spent the first 13 seasons of his 16-year Major League career in Kansas City. He was an All-Star five times and was enshrined in the team’s hall of fame in 2015. Guthrie was a journeyman reliever and spot starter. He spent four seasons with the Royals.

Gregg Giannotti: Michael Kay Complained His Way Onto First Take

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Gregg Giannotti: Michael Kay Complained His Way Onto First Take

A clip of Michael Kay saying the New York Rangers would be the city’s next championship winning franchise on ESPN’s First Take went viral yesterday after Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim said hockey “doesn’t count”. Critics were angry that one of the NHL’s media partners would say such a thing. Meanwhile, WFAN’s Gregg Giannotti wondered why Kay was there in the first place.

https://twitter.com/Laf4MVP/status/1631410414679388163

During Boomer & Gio Friday, update anchor Chris Lopresti played the clip that went viral. He scoffed at the idea that hockey “doesn’t count” saying “No disrespect. Sorry, we’re not going to count the hockey team that sells out the building and has people paying hundreds of dollars to get into.”

“I’ve never seen a sport that is so unbelievable get so disrespected,” Jerry Recco, who was filling in for the vacationing Boomer Esiason, said.

However, Giannotti’s point of contention was with Michael Kay’s appearance on the show, deducing that the recent visit from Mike Francesa alongside usual Wednesday guest Chris “Mad Dog” Russo likely led to Kay requesting to be on the program.

“So now that Mike and Chris were on there, Michael Kay’s gotta be on First Take now?” questioned Giannotti. “So that has to be a complaint, right? He was probably like ‘How do you let those guys on when I’m on ESPN?’ That’s definitely how that happened.”

In addition to his work as the television voice of the New York Yankees on YES Network, Kay has announced select baseball broadcasts for ESPN, and also hosts the Kay Rod Cast, an alternate Sunday Night Baseball broadcast for the network. Kay also hosts the afternoon show on WFAN competitor 98.7 ESPN New York.

Shan Shariff: Michael Irvin Texted Us About Marriott Lawsuit

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Shan Shariff: Michael Irvin Texted Us About Marriott Lawsuit

A second judge has ordered Marriott to release video of the incident that got Dallas Cowboys legend and NFL Network star Michael Irvin kicked out of a hotel in Phoenix during Super Bowl week. On 105.3 The Fan in Dallas Friday morning, Shan and RJ said they had reason to believe that Irvin was optimistic about what that video will show.

“We’re not gonna divulge too much, but out of the blue yesterday, Michael texted Choppy and I,” Shan Shariff said. “I think it’s safe to say Michael is feeling good about his position.”

Shariff added that Marriott’s position has never made sense to him. If the company felt like Irvin needed to be ejected from their property, why would it not want video of the incident to be made public?

He added that when the story first broke, he was worried that the truth was going to be very bad for Michael Irvin.

“At first when I was talking to Michael in Phoenix when all of this broke, he was worried,” he said. “And it made me worry and wonder if Mike was buzzed to the point he didn’t remember what happened or he was foggy. You know, he came on the air with us Wednesday morning and was joking about having some drinks.”

Michael Irvin has never run from the fact that he had too much to drink on the night of the incident and did not remember harassing anyone. He also has said that he was positive that he did not even spend a minute with the woman making the accusation and video would show that.

The first judge to order Marriott make the video public issued his ruling on February 16. Marriott appealed. That appeal was lost earlier this week.

“Now it looks like the Marriott is terrified to have the video come out,” Shariff said.

Rob Parker, Brian Long, Sean Thompson and Matt Fishman Join The BSM Summit Speaker Lineup

Jason Barrett
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Rob Parker, Brian Long, Sean Thompson and Matt Fishman Join The BSM Summit Speaker Lineup

As we gear up for our 5th annual BSM Summit on March 21-22, 2023, I’m starting to get a better feel for how the final puzzle may look. When this process starts I have no idea how it’s going to turn out because so much depends on who says yes and no. Many who’ve attended over the years have complimented our lineups, and I appreciate it because I put a lot of time and effort into featuring a strong mix of professionals from different areas of the industry. Though I’m proud of the work we do and the schedule we deliver, there are so many things pursued leading up to the event that I can’t help but wonder ‘what if this or that had worked out?’

One thing that some folks don’t understand if they haven’t been to the show before is that this is not a talent conference. It’s a sports media business conference. That means we feature radio, TV and digital executives, programmers, researchers, sales professionals, and yes, talent. I believe on-air performers are vital to the industry’s success and I want the best of the best sharing their wisdom with everyone in the room, but we’re also not going to do two full days of on-air conversations. Being successful in sports media requires understanding the on-air side and the business side, and we do our best to offer a blend of both.

For today’s announcement, I’m excited to welcome a few sports media pros who have enjoyed success in different parts of the country, and in different areas of the business.

First, Rob Parker is someone who has made a name for himself as a radio host, writer, TV commentator, and teacher. He’s currently heard weeknights on FOX Sports Radio, teaches students at USC Annenberg, writes for Deadspin, and is helping MLBBro gain awareness and a bigger mainstream media presence covering Major League Baseball. He’s experienced, smart, and never short on opinion. I’m looking forward to having him join Mitch Rosen of 670 The Score/BetQL, and Scott Shapiro of FOX Sports Radio for a session titled “Aircheck On Campus“. They’ll take the stage together on Wednesday March 22nd from 2:10-2:45.

My next three speakers, all come from the sports radio programming department.

Matt Fishman is the Director of Content for ESPN 850 Cleveland. Fishman has been with the brand since January 2020 following stints at SiriusXM, 610 Sports in Kansas City, and 670 The Score in Chicago. He even wrote for BSM for a few years.

Sean Thompson is responsible for programming decisions at Arizona Sports and ESPN 620 AM. He joined the well respected Phoenix brand after more than a decade in Atlanta at 92.9 The Game. Sean has also worked in affiliate relations for Westwood One, and on the air and as a programmer in music radio for Good Karma Brands in Madison, WI.

Brian Long is the program director of both San Diego Sports 760 and KOGO 600 in San Diego. In addition to guiding two of the top talk brands in his market, he has also managed Seattle Sports 710, and served as the Assistant Program Director for ESPN LA 710.

Matt, Sean, and Brian will be part of one of our final sessions on day two of the Summit. The Last Call which yours truly is hosting, will explore unique revenue opportunities created by local brands, and examine a few new ideas and missed opportunities that brands and managers may want to take advantage of in the future.

As of today, the Summit has more than forty accomplished professionals taking the stage at the Founders Club at USC’s Galen Center on March 21-22, 2023. I’ve got a few others still to announce as well, including a few cool giveaways planned for the WWE’s Kickoff party.

If you haven’t bought a ticket and wish to be in the room, visit BSMSummit.com. The last day for ticket sales will be Monday March 13th. I’m hoping to release our final schedule of sessions on Tuesday March 14th. Hopefully I’ll see you in the city of angels.

Howard Simon Bids WGR Farewell

BSM Staff
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Howard Simon Bids WGR Farewell

WGR morning host Howard Simon has officially ended his run on the Buffalo sports radio station.

Simon’s final show concluded this morning, with the longtime host being visited by several prominent Buffalo sports figures.

A host in the city for the last 33 years, Simon has partnered with co-host Jeremy White for the past 18 years on the station’s morning show. The pair joked that they had to think up things that made them angry to avoid getting overly emotional during the show’s final segment.

“People asked me what it was like 18 years ago to be paired with someone I didn’t know and we started together and it was great,” White said. “I always felt like having you — if you liked me — then that meant a lot to everybody else.

“There was a protection that you gave. ‘If Howard likes you, you must have some good in you’…all these people thanking you for how you affected their life, for me, are you the reason I have a house? You might be! It’s tough,” a tearful White continued. “At the end of this, you’re not dead, but I’m gonna feel like the Will Smith in the big empty room. My partner left. I’m happy for you, and I’m sad for me and sad for everybody else. You mean a lot to me.”

“He will never admit this, but I’ll tell you publicly, the last few years? He carried my ass on this show,” Simon said of White. “It was really hard for me to do this show the last couple of years…but you were there for me when I didn’t know what to say.”

Simon concluded the show by thanking the Buffalo sports community.

“My only dream for my life growing up was to be in broadcasting,” Simon said, fighting back tears. “It’s all I ever wanted to do and I didn’t think I’d be able to do it this long.”

The longtime Buffalo host then thanked listeners for their kindness over the last few weeks after he made his impending retirement known.

“I can’t even tell you what it’s meant to me. The tweets, the emails, everything that has happened … since we wrote the article that said I was leaving officially. The response that we have gotten, the tweets, the emails, I knew we had listeners. I see the ratings, I know people are listening. But the way you’ve expressed Jeremy and I, over the last 18 years, have meant to all of you, the impact we’ve had on your lives, has touched my heart. I didn’t think you could do that as a sports talk host, just some nut talking about sports and banging on a table. But everything you all have said to me, you cannot ever have any idea how much it meant that we’ve had that impact on your life. I’m so grateful that you’ve allowed us into your lives.”

In his closing statements, he shared appreciation for the show that the station put together for his final outing.

“It is beyond anything I ever could have imagined. I will never ever forget how much you did you for me and this show today. It is the greatest thing in the world. I love all of you. Thank you very much.”

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown declared Friday, March 3rd as Howard Simon Day in the city.

Bill O’Reilly: Fox News Revelations Won’t Change Viewer Opinions About Network

BNM Staff
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After it was revealed Fox News hosts presented one opinion on the air during the 2020 Presidential Election, while privately admitting the claims for former President Trump and his legal team were false, many wondered if it would damage the network’s credibility. Former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly doesn’t believe it will hurt at all.

O’Reilly asked his podcast audience if the information uncovered during the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit against the network would change the way they viewed the channel. 85% of respondents in his poll said no.

“Most of these voters — in the poll — are Fox News fans. They like the network. Even though the network has done things that you can arguably say are wrong, that doesn’t matter to them,” O’Reilly said. “Because they have nowhere else to go. It’s either Fox — you can’t turn to others, because others are slanting the news in a democrat, left direction.

“Here’s the most important part about this: Fox News’ talent is so much better than CNN or MSNBC. Just from a performance level. A lot of people say ‘I’m not gonna give that up. I enjoy watching various programs on Fox News, and just because they did this, I’m not gonna stop watching’. I’m not gonna say whether this is right or wrong.”

The former Fox News host added that Fox News has been vilified by those guilty of the same crime.

“The hypocritical, corrupt press is just killing Fox News, which they always have. This gives them another weapon,” O’Reilly said. “Nevermind that the corrupt, left-wing media ran with the Russian collusion story when they knew it was bogus. Same thing. You may argue that the election is a bigger story — I would not dispute that — but there’s plenty of hypocrisy.”

Bill Cunningham: Media Only Continued to Cover Ohio Train Disaster Due to NewsNation Reporter’s Arrest

BNM Staff
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Reverberations are still being felt after Ohio Sheriff’s deputies arrested NewsNation reporter Evan Lambert during a press conference after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. 700 WLW host Bill Cunningham wonders if the arrest kept reporters in the area.

During a discussion on his radio show with NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo, Cunningham pondered if the incident — which was captured by the network’s cameras — was cause for other networks like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC to remain in the Ohio village as the story was beginning to run its course.

“Evan Lambert was the reporter that was hogtied, he was chicken-winged by the Ohio Sheriff’s deputies,” Cunningham said. “Early on, Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH) said it was a bad look. Do you think if Evan Lambert’s situation had not transpired that the media would have even spent the time it spent on East Palestine? Wasn’t Evan Lambert a part of that? That the media would want to cover it itself after that occurred?”

Cuomo said the media is “as self-possessed as any other industry”, so Lambert’s arrest certainly continued the coverage in the train derailment. He added the media is a “pack animal” and when one network sees a story it can cover, others will follow suit, as evidenced in the Alex Murdaugh murder trial.

Cunningham was vocally outspoken over Lambert’s February arrest, saying that if the encounter hadn’t been recorded, it was likely Lambert would have spent several days in jail awaiting a trial.

“What happens in small-town Ohio, small counties is significantly different than what happens in Chicago, Philadelphia, (or) New York City,” Cunningham said at the time. “Because these prosecutors and these sheriffs run the place, and what they say goes. If NewsNation wasn’t on this thing, Evan would still be locked up and I don’t easily say the charges are going to be dismissed.”

Stephen A. Smith Tells Critics To ‘Relax’ On His Hockey Comments

BSM Staff
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Stephen A. Smith raised a few eyebrows on Thursday’s edition of First Take with how he responded to Michael Kay’s assertion that the Rangers would be the next New York team to win a championship.

“Oh Lord,” Smith said rolling his eyes. That was followed by Molly Qerim saying that the Rangers do not count and Smith saying that conversations on the show were reserved for “football, basketball, baseball.”

That lead to headlines suggesting that Stephen A. Smith had admitted ESPN doesn’t care about hockey.

After the show, he took to social media to tell everyone that he has no problem with the Rangers, the NHL, or the sport of hockey in general.

“Will ya calm down?” he asked. “I was having a good time, having fun. Gary Bettman is my friend. OK? Relax, y’all. Relax.”

Smith mentioned on First Take that he and Bettman are close. He thought that would be enough for everyone to admit that he was doing a bit.

He added that as a New Yorker, it should be pretty clear why he is more focused on the other team that plays in Madison Square Garden.

“I understand the Rangers are all that. They’ve got a championship since 1994,” Stephen A. Smith said. “It’s them damn Knicks that ain’t won since 1973! I’m sure you can understand why I’m aching for the Knicks a little more than the Rangers.”

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