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Fantasy Football Analyst Matthew Berry Is Leaving ESPN

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The fantasy football guru of ESPN, Matthew Berry, is leaving the network after fifteen years.

Berry made the statement on his Twitter, saying, in part:

“Here is a sentence I never thought I’d write. I can confirm that after 15 amazing years, I am leaving ESPN. When I came to the company in 2007, fantasy football was a niche of a niche and ESPN was way behind the market leader. And now, many years later, I am so incredibly proud of all the work we have done together to bring fantasy football into the mainstream and specifically, make ESPN the leading game and content destination for fantasy players”.

Berry and ESPN had been in negotiations for a new contract but obviously the two couldn’t meet for an agreement.

ESPN released a statement just two minutes after. They added in a quote-tweet of Berry’s original statement and said:

“Matthew Berry expressed a desire to explore new opportunities beyond ESPN. After discussing it with him, we agreed to support it”. The full statement is below.

Greg McElroy Recruited to ESPN by Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler Over Beers

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While ESPN College Football analyst Greg McElroy was a senior at Alabama in 2010, he was a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which goes to the top senior scholar-athlete in football. Even though McElroy did not win the award, it ended up leading him closer to the career he has now.

McElroy was a guest on the Gramlich & Mac Lain podcast and said that after not winning the award, he was at an happy hour event after the gala, had a beer, and ended up meeting some notable ESPN personalities who asked him to talk about Auburn before the national title game that year. 

“Those that were also at the bar were Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit. Lee Fitting and Michael Fountain were also there. After a couple of beers, we were sitting there and saying you just played a good game against Auburn, why don’t you come to Phoenix and talk about it? A first-hand perspective of competing against Auburn.”

“It went really well. They said you were very prepared, we really enjoyed your takes, everything you said about Auburn and we think our viewers gained something from this. Would this be something that you would consider coming and doing now? I said no, I really need to scratch the NFL itch.”

McElroy played for only 3 seasons in the NFL with the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals. While his career didn’t last long, ESPN kept asking him every year about when he was ready to join the network. Then, while he was in Cincinnati, the SEC Network was about launch and that’s when McElroy decided to become an analyst:

“After year 3, they said we are about to launch the SEC Network, do you want to be a part of that? I had just torn my PCL. I was under contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. I knew that I could grind out maybe 2-3 more years, but I’d be better off going and pursuing something I knew I could hopefully do for 30 years. It was a difficult decision to leave the game at that point, but I knew I still had a piece of the game with me in going back to the level of football I aligned with the most.”

For McElroy, he is just happy to have some form of football in his life. He did think he would miss being a quarterback, but he has a home to talk about the strategy of the game.

“I love football strategy. I love football theory and not having that in my life would be insanely difficult. I’m so grateful for ESPN.”

Even though McElroy would have loved to have defeated Auburn in the Iron Bowl, it ended up launching the former Crimson Tide QB into a successful career as an analyst. 

CBS Sports Makes Changes to College Football Broadcast Teams

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CBS Sports made two changes to their broadcast teams for college football this fall. The network has announced that they have named Jenny Dell as the lead college football reporter . She will team with Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson to call the top game on CBS each week. That includes the SEC ON CBS this season.

The network also announced that they have promoted Sherree Burruss to lead college football reporter for CBS Sports Network. She will partner with Rich Waltz and Aaron Taylor. Burruss will also work select SEC ON CBS games throughout the year.

“Jenny and Sherree are talented, knowledgeable and respected reporters and we are excited to elevate their roles for our college football coverage,” said Harold Bryant, Executive Producer and Executive Vice President, Production, CBS Sports. “Since joining CBS Sports, they both have grown and excelled with every assignment. We are confident the passion and authenticity they have displayed will be evident to the new college football fans they will be reaching.”

Both Dell and Burruss will continue to anchor CBS Sports HQ, the 24/7 streaming sports news service offered by the network.

The moves come in the wake of Jamie Erdahl, the former lead college football reporter for SEC ON CBS, taking the hosting job of the NFL Network’s Good Morning Football.

Jamie Erdahl Announced As New Host of Good Morning Football on NFL Network

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The NFL Network has officially announced the hiring of Jamie Erdahl as the new host of its popular morning television program Good Morning Football.

Erdahl joins the NFL Network after being with CBS Sports since 2014. There she was a sideline reporter for the NFL ON CBS and was most recently the lead SEC ON CBS reporter. She also reported from the sidelines for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, regular season games and an was an analyst for select women’s college basketball games on CBS Sports Network. sideline reporter since 2014. There she was a

“To be able to add a talent of Jamie’s caliber and experience to Good Morning Football is tremendously exciting for not only the show but NFL Network overall,” said Mark Quenzel, NFL Network Senior Vice President, Head of Content. “I have long been a fan of Jamie’s since her time at NESN, and throughout her career thus far she has earned a remarkable reputation throughout the industry. Jamie has consistently demonstrated a great knowledge of the NFL, the ability to be versatile and a quick wit, and we look forward to watching Good Morning Football continue to grow with her joining Peter, Kyle, Will and the rest of the team.”

Her first show will be Monday, July 25th. Erdahl will still be able to continue her work with CBS Sports for select assignments.

How to Enjoy Watching a Boxing Match to the Fullest

There are many people who enjoy watching boxing matches. Some people watch them for the excitement, while others watch them because they have a favorite boxer. Whatever the reason is that you watch boxing, you want to make sure that you are getting the most out of the experience.

One of the ways is to get comfy and catch up on the latest boxing news. Whatever you chose to do, make sure you have the best experience possible. Here are a few tips on how you can do just that.

What is the best way to experience a boxing match?

There is no one definitive answer to this question. Some people prefer to watch boxing matches on television, while others prefer to attend them in person. Both options are equally viable although some people would argue that nothing beats watching the match live. Still, everything comes down to personal preferences, as some people like to watch the match on TV while others prefer to head to the local bar and watch the match with friends.

How can one ensure that they are fully enjoying a boxing match?

Everyone enjoys boxing matches differently. However, there are a few general tips that can help you make the most out of your experience. First, try to get as close to the action as possible if you’re watching the match live. This will allow you to see all the punches being thrown and really feel the excitement of the match.

If you can’t get close to the ring, try to find a spot where you have a clear view of all the action. If you’re watching the match from home, prepare snacks and drinks, and get as comfortable as possible. This will help you enjoy the boxing match to the fullest. Finally, be sure to enjoy all aspects of the boxing match, not just the actual fighting. Take in the sights and sounds of the arena, soak up the atmosphere, and savor every minute of the experience.

What foods and drinks to enjoy at a boxing match

The best foods and drinks to enjoy at a boxing match will vary depending on personal preferences. If you’re watching the match at home, you can prepare any food you want. Watching the match live may limit your options a bit.

Some specific food and drink suggestions that could be enjoyed at a boxing match include:

  • Water, soda or perhaps a beer
  • A sandwich or wrap
  • Nachos and dip
  • Nuts or seeds
  • Popcorn

To get the most out of your boxing match experience, make sure you do what works best for you regardless of whether you’re watching a boxing match live, at a bar or at home.

Richard Deitsch: Saudi Government Ties Won’t Keep LIV Off TV in US

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Richard Deitsch is answering reader questions this week in his column for The Athletic. He received several questions about the media future of LIV Golf. His answer is short and sweet. LIV Golf will end up on TV in the United States at some point.

One reader named Christopher wondered if streaming events through partners like YouTube and Facebook is hurting any momentum the tour creates every time a new golfer signs on. Another, named Merri, wondered if the lack of a TV deal that pays LIV Golf makes it less viable in the long run.

“I think LIV will get a media deal in 2023,” Deitsch answers.

What companies want to be in business with the Saudi government, which backs LIV Golf? According to Deitsch, the networks that aren’t interested would be steering clear because of their relationships with the PGA Tour, not because of any social backlash.

“If you think sports media entities will pass on LIV because of allegations of the Saudi government’s complicity with the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, or its alleged involvement in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, or its treatment of gay people, let me introduce you to ESPN and Turner, who partner with the NBA, who partners with China, and Fox’s World Cup coverage from Russia. I think LIV will sell its rights cheap in the U.S. and someone will bite.”

LIV Golf has created some interest, but with no traditional broadcast partner, its appeal may be limited thus far. The tour attempted to purchase air time from FOX for its first event in London, but was turned down. As a result, an average audience of less than 75,000 in the United States watched.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has been outspoken in his disdain for the competition. Golfers that have signed on to LIV have been banned from PGA events. That likely means that when LIV is ready to take its product to the networks, the PGA’s TV partners, CBS, ESPN and NBC, are not likely to bite.

Robert Griffin III Joins Monday Night Countdown on ESPN

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ESPN didn’t have to look far to find a replacement for Randy Moss. Robert Griffin III will join Monday Night Countdown after the Hall of Fame receiver decided to cut back on his commitment to the network in his new contract.

Andrew Marchand of The New York Post was the first to report the news in the paper’s Sports+ newsletter.

The promotion seems to indicate that Griffin is all in on his broadcasting career. He had hinted earlier this month that he was still hoping for a chance to return to the NFL.

“He needs to rethink that one as his broadcasting career flourishes,” Mike Florio wrote at Pro Football Talk. “Once a former player gives up one of those prime spots, it could take a while for one of those prime spots to open up again.”

ESPN added Robert Griffin III to its roster last year. He has quickly become a staple of the network’s coverage of both the NFL and college football. In addition to appearances on NFL studio shows, Griffin worked with Mark Jones last season calling college games. He was also part of ABC’s coverage of the NFL Draft.

Texas Sports Media Pays Tribute To Audacy Broadcast Engineer Ted Nichols-Payne

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Ted Nichols-Payne collapsed outside of Globe Life Field in Arlington after Sunday’s game. He was pronounced dead at a hospital later that day.

He served as the broadcast engineer for the Texas Rangers for nearly 30 years. His death drew reactions not just from sports media in the Dallas Metroplex, but from across the state of Texas. Everyone had fond memories and high praise for Nichols-Payne.

”We are devastated at what happened here today, Rangers radio voice Matt Hicks said on air, “and we just want people that were in Ted’s family and those that knew and loved Ted to know how much we are hurting right now and how much we wish for all of you that knew him and loved him a sense of peace to come when you think about Ted and all he meant to all of those that he knew.”

“I listen to broadcasts around the league,” said Rangers broadcaster Jared Sandler as he fought back tears. “There is no better engineer than Ted Nichols-Payne.”

Shan Shariff remembered Ted Nichols-Payne on 105.3 The Fan on Monday morning. He said that Ted was actually not a big sports fan. His one obsession was cycling. What kept him working on Rangers and Cowboys broadcasts was his love of radio. It is something that was valuable to the industry beyond just the Audacy stations he worked for.

“When we get to Oxnard for the State of the Cowboys presser, you should see every radio station rely on Ted. The Ticket, everyone, uses Ted to get Mike McCarthy’s presser daily. Did it for J-Geezy, same for Jerry and Steven and everyone that is going to talk. He was the engineer for the Metroplex.”

More colleagues took to social media to share their thoughts and memories of Ted Nichols-Payne.

The two teams that Nichols-Payne worked for also sent out messages of condolence.

Ted Nichols-Payne was 56 years old.

Former CNN Host Chris Cuomo Hints at Possible Return

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Is former CNN host Chris Cuomo preparing for a return? Cuomo resurfaced on Instagram this week following months of inactivity after being fired last year.

Cuomo’s most recent post has some wondering what’s next. The post features several short clips of Cuomo shirtless, smoking a cigar, and flexing his bicep. The end of the post is captioned, “something’s coming…Summer 22.”

The former CNN host was terminated by the cable news channel for allegedly using his position to influence the outcome of his older brother’s sexual misconduct cases.

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned from office amid a flurry of allegations that he said became a distraction to his day-to-day duties as a government official.

Chirs Cuomo started using social media again this week to document a recent trip to Ukraine.

“In Ukraine. We can not forget. Russians are apparently targeting civilians,” Cuomo said.

 “I was here with my brother Sean Penn who is working on a film showing the reality and helping the hurting with relief org CORE. He interviewed President [Volodymyr] Zelensky who pleaded for more from the U.S. – from anyone,” Cuomo wrote.

Donald Trump Gloats Over Elon Musk’s Pulling Out of Twitter Deal

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Former President Donald Trump addressed Elon Musk’s decision to back out of the Twitter deal during a rally in Alaska Saturday. A video posted via Mediate shows the former president’s reaction.

The Telsa CEO announced Friday that he was ending the $44 billion quest to purchase Twitter and take it private. According to Bloomberg, Musk alleged the platform was misrepresenting the number of actual users.

“Elon is not gonna buy Twitter. Where did you hear that before? From me,” said Trump. In May, Trump predicted that Musk would not buy the company because it has “so many fake accounts.”

Trump used the opportunity to promote his social media platform.

“Go out, by the way, while I’m here, and sign up NOW for TRUTH Social, it’s hot as a pistol,” said Trump.

Last month, Musk said he had decided to vote Republican and vote for President Obama several years ago. Musk also predicted a “red wave” in November.

“You know he said the other day, ‘oh I’ve never voted for a Republican.’ I said I didn’t know that he told me he voted for me,” said Trump. “So, he’s another b***s*** artist.”

Last month, Musk suggested that he is “leaning” toward Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2024.

“I supported [Democratic candidate Andrew] Yang last time, but DeSantis has a better chance of winning,” Musk tweeted.