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Hot mic catches ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo’s Kim Kardashian comment
Things are going so well for Cleveland Browns fans that local sports radio hosts can spend commercial breaks looking at pictures of Kim Kardashian. ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo might like the Cleveland Browns and their surprising 5-2 start to the season. But now we know Tony Rizzo really likes Kim Kardashian. Rizzo broadcast his…
Brian Scalabrine claims Jaylen Brown ‘demanded’ trade from Boston amid Jayson Tatum rift
The sudden breakup of longtime Boston Celtics co-stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum remains unexplained, and the two former champions’ recent comments have only intensified questions about what exactly happened between them. Brown opened the offseason by saying last year was the best of his career, which drew confusion since Tatum missed most of the…
White Sox inform TV play-by-play announcer John Schriffen his contract won’t be extended
The Chicago White Sox are looking for their third TV play-by-play voice in five years. The franchise has told John Schriffen it will not extend his contract as its lead announcer. “The White Sox have informed John Schriffen that his contract will not be extended as the club’s lead play-by-play announcer,” wrote MLB reporter Scott…
Stephen A. Smith scolds Nikola Jokic for saying booing fans ‘not welcome’
The Denver Nuggets are projected to take a step back this season, and Nikola Jokic took an unusual step in the first week by going toe-to-toe with fans who booed the team at Ball Arena. After Jokic posted a 35-point triple-double as Denver returned to beat the New Orleans Pelicans in overtime on Saturday night,…
BYU-Utah, possible Big 12 game of the year, scheduled for 10 a.m. local time
The Utah Utes announced that the Holy War against BYU will kick off at 10 a.m. MT on Saturday, Nov. 7, and will air on ABC or ESPN. The early start turns what could be a top‑10 Big 12 showdown into a morning fixture, sparking frustration after Utah’s athletic director recently criticized night‑time slots on ESPN. With both teams poised for a high‑stakes rivalry, the unusual timing raises questions about network scheduling choices.
Rays-Brewers Game 1 viewership beats recent non-Dodgers World Series
Game 1 of the 2026 World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers draws 12.2 million viewers on Fox and Univision, surpassing all non‑Dodgers finals this decade. Though lower than last year’s 13.3 million Dodgers‑Blue Jays opener and the 2024 record 15.2 million Dodgers‑Yankees game, the audience tops the 2023 Rangers‑Diamondbacks (9.4 million) and exceeds 2022 (11.7 million) and 2021 (11.1 million) viewership. Peaks reach just over 13 million, and upcoming Nielsen Big Data figures could push the total higher. The strong Friday start suggests growing interest despite the Rays and Brewers lacking broad national appeal.
WNBA makes mind-boggling decision to move Finals Game 6 to middle of workday
After the Golden State Valkyries tied the WNBA Finals 2‑2 with the Atlanta Dream, the league re‑scheduled Game 6 to a 12:30 p.m. ET Thursday slot at State Farm Arena—right in the middle of the workday. The move avoids a conflict with the Atlanta Hawks’ night game and a potential Game 7 on Halloween in San Francisco, but critics say it sacrifices TV viewership for a larger in‑arena crowd. Options considered included shifting the game to Friday and moving Game 7 to November 3, which would have better preserved broadcast audiences. The decision, described as baffling by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, adds to ongoing criticism of WNBA operations under Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Pat McAfee ‘very, very uncomfortable’ at University of Utah due to light criticism, alludes to Charlie Kirk assassination
Pat McAfee says he feels "very, very uncomfortable" after the University of Utah’s student‑run Instagram video mocked him during College GameDay’s Utah‑Houston Big 12 matchup on Oct. 24, 2026. The deleted clip, posted by Utah Student Experience and the official school account, featured students calling McAfee "corny" and "creepy" as he stripped his shirt for the crowd. McAfee vented on his show, criticizing the school’s handling of the footage and likening the backlash to the recent Charlie Kirk assassination at nearby Utah Valley University. Utah ultimately beat Houston, but the incident sparked a fresh feud between the former NFL punter and the Utes’ fanbase.
Cris Collinsworth was having an existential crisis about Patrick Mahomes during Chiefs-Seahawks
During Sunday Night Football, NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth’s usual adoration for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes turns into an existential wobble as Kansas City falls 20-3 to defending champion Seattle. Collinsworth repeatedly praises Mahomes’ hustle after a blindside hit and fumble, even noting a bewildered look on the QB’s face, while the Seahawks’ defense dominates. The analyst’s comments highlight the Chiefs’ vulnerability after a 6-11 prior season and Seattle’s resurgence, prompting speculation that the game forced Collinsworth to confront the Chiefs’ decline.
Pat McAfee calls out Colts interim GM for casual attire
Former NFL star‑turned‑broadcaster Pat McAfee publicly chastises interim Indianapolis Colts GM Ed Dodds for arriving at the Minnesota game in sweats, a brown paper bag and a suitcase. McAfee, known for his own casual on‑air wardrobe, says a GM should dress with more respect, especially after the Colts fired Chris Ballard following a 2‑4 start. He jokes that Dodds must win to justify his attire, noting the team's loss in his first game as GM. The exchange highlights the tension between locker‑room culture and professional image in the NFL.
Longtime Los Angeles Times sportswriter Ross Newhan dies at 89
Legendary baseball writer Ross Newhan, 89, dies Sunday. Newhan started at the Long Beach Press‑Telegram in 1961, joined the Los Angeles Times in 1968, and covered the Angels, Dodgers and national baseball for 36 years before retiring in 2004. He earned the BBWAA’s J.G. Taylor Spink Award in 2000 and was the league’s longest‑tenured active member at his death. The Dodgers issued a statement honoring the Hall of Fame sportswriter, noting his wife Connie and family. Newhan also reported on horse racing’s Triple Crown, boxing, college football, golf and the Olympics.
All 5 DAZN-exclusive NBA teams strike simulcast deals with DirecTV
All five NBA teams that signed exclusive local broadcast deals with DAZN—Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs—have now secured simulcast agreements with DirecTV. Starting this week, DirecTV Choice or higher subscribers can watch the teams' games, effectively turning the streaming‑only rights into a direct‑to‑distributor model. The move hints at a strategic shift after early-season backlash over limited access, though it remains unclear if additional cable or satellite deals will follow or if teams will adjust their fees.
Howard Stern: Troy Aikman should be mad at ESPN, not Joe Buck
Howard Stern argues that Troy Aikman's frustration over the Monday Night Football booth should be directed at ESPN, not fellow analyst Joe Buck. The tension stems from Buck's six‑year contract extension with ESPN, announced in September, which Aikman learned about only after the deal was made, leaving his own future uncertain. Stern, a frequent Buck guest on his SiriusXM show, suggests ESPN withheld information and bears responsibility for the rift. The discussion highlights the fallout from the secretive contract negotiations and its impact on the long‑standing Buck‑Aikman partnership.
Ian Eagle rebrands the ‘Peanut Punch’ in honor of Jim Nantz
During the Colts‑Vikings game, Ian Eagle humorously renamed the "Peanut Punch" forced‑fumble move the "Jim Nantz" after a near‑wrist injury to CBS’s veteran announcer. Colts cornerback Justin Walley executed the hit on Vikings RB Aaron Jones, prompting Ross Tucker’s praise and Eagle’s quip. The article recalls a prior clip where J.J. Watt demonstrated the technique on a 67‑year‑old Nantz, who then suffered a wrist strain but vowed to play through it. Walley’s successful first attempt makes him the most effective "Jim Nantz" in CBS history.
NFL reportedly ‘furious’ over Eagles’ messaging on Jalen Hurts’ blood clots
The NFL is reportedly "furious" with the Philadelphia Eagles over their handling of quarterback Jalen Hurts' blood‑clot saga. Hurts played in the London Eagles‑Jaguars game on Oct. 12 despite a superficial clot diagnosis, then was later found with deep‑vein thrombosis and lung clots, likely ending his season. The league and NFLPA have launched a joint investigation, but the Eagles have offered only brief comments from coach Nick Sirianni, refusing to speak with medical staff or executives. NFL chief medical officer Allen Sills defended the team's protocols, yet the lack of transparency fuels league frustration.
Mike Tomlin defends Dan Campbell’s controversial fourth-down decision
In a wild Sunday Night Football finish, the Detroit Lions faced a fourth-and‑one on their own 23‑yard line with under five minutes left and a 20‑17 tie against the Green Bay Packers. Dan Campbell chose to go for it, but the play failed and the Lions turned it over on downs. A blocked field‑goal attempt later helped Detroit secure the win. Former Steelers head coach and analyst Mike Tomlin defended Campbell’s call, arguing elite quarterback play and clock‑management justified the risk. Tomlin’s support highlights the growing acceptance of aggressive, analytics‑driven decisions in tight games.
Troy Aikman mourns longtime spotter David Moulton: ‘He deserved better’
Troy Aikman mourns the loss of his longtime NFL broadcast spotter David Moulton, who died at 59 after a six‑year battle with stage‑four renal cell cancer. Aikman praised Moulton’s loyalty and insight, noting their partnership since 2018 and highlighting memorable moments like the Super Bowl cue about Richard Sherman covering Travis Kelce. Moulton’s career spanned CBS, Fox golf, and local radio, where he co‑hosted a 20‑year show and covered Florida Gulf Coast athletics. Colleagues, including Gary Danielson and Jenny Dell, remember his behind‑the‑scenes contributions that shaped NFL telecasts.
Terry Bradshaw refusing to retire from Fox: ‘They’re going to want to replace me’
Terry Bradshaw, 78, tells Men’s Health he isn’t planning to retire from Fox despite a two‑year contract extension. After predicting his exit around Super Bowl LIX (2025) and again before Super Bowl LXIII (2029), Bradshaw now says Fox will eventually replace him, but he won’t announce retirement to avoid a tribute and hopes to stay on through his 80s. He compares his retirement chatter to Charles Barkley’s, emphasizing he’ll stay put rather than jump to another network like ESPN. The interview reveals Bradshaw’s confidence in his longevity and hints at a future succession plan at Fox.
‘College GameDay’ headed to Bloomington for Minnesota-Indiana
ESPN’s College GameDay will broadcast from Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, October 26, 2026, for the matchup between the defending national champion Hoosiers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. It’s the third GameDay visit to Bloomington and the first since Indiana’s 2025 title run. Despite the Gophers being 20‑point underdogs and the game airing on CBS at 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN chooses the site to honor Indiana’s historic season, marking the second Big Ten stop this year after Ohio State‑Iowa and the third straight week away from an SEC venue.
Mike Tomlin says Jets should practice two-minute drill ‘every day’
Mike Tomlin criticizes Jets head coach Aaron Glenn for the team's 107-6 deficit in the two minutes before halftime over his 24-game tenure, highlighted by a 28-25 loss to the winless Miami Dolphins on Oct. 25. Tomlin says the Jets should practice two‑minute drills daily, noting that Glenn’s four timeouts in the first half allowed a 15‑play, 91‑yard Dolphins drive. The defeat drops New York to 2‑5, Glenn to 5‑19 overall and 0‑8 in the AFC East, sparking calls for his dismissal. Tomlin’s blunt advice underscores the urgency to fix the Jets’ clock management before the season’s slump deepens.
Bill Cowher defends Eagles coach Nick Sirianni after rough start to season
Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher steps in to defend Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni amid a 2‑4 start to the 2026 NFL season. Cowher, speaking on CBS, highlights Sirianni’s five straight playoff trips, a Super Bowl win, and his track record of developing assistants, while noting the team’s injuries—most notably QB Jalen Hurts out with blood clots—and a revamped offensive line. He urges patience, saying the Eagles still boast the division’s top defense and remain playoff‑eligible. The article previews Monday night’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, with Tanner McKee set to start at quarterback and rookie Makai Lemon targeting his first big opportunity.
Kurt Warner apologizes for mixing up Jaylen and Tyler Warren
During the NFL’s historic first game in France, analysts Kurt Warner and Jason Kelce called the Steelers‑Saints matchup. Warner repeatedly confused Steelers running back Jaylen Warren with Colts tight end Tyler Warren, praising the wrong player three times on air. After the 16–10 Steelers win, Warner apologized on Twitter, acknowledging the slip and commending Warren’s 137 yards. The blunder sparked online jokes but was handled graciously.
Derek Rae reflects on his storied career calling soccer in the United States
Derek Rae looks back on a four‑decade career broadcasting soccer in the United States, from his first hospital‑radio calls in Aberdeen to commentating every men’s World Cup since 1990 and every World Cup and Euro on U.S. TV since 2004. He shares how a cassette recorder at age seven, mentorship from Scottish legend David Francey, and a chance audition at 19 launched his professional path, and why a 1988 trip to Boston sparked his move to America in 1991. Rae also recounts calling the dramatic 2005 Champions League final between Liverpool and Milan, calling it his most unforgettable match.
TV and streaming viewing picks for October 26 2026: How to watch World Series Game 3 and WNBA Finals Game 5
Awful Announcing’s October 26 guide lists every TV and streaming option for the day’s marquee events, spotlighting MLB’s World Series Game 3 at Tropicana Field (Fox/Fox One, FS1, MLB Network) and the WNBA Finals Game 5 (NBA TV/Peacock). The rundown also includes college football press conferences, SEC and ACC shows, NBA matchups, golf tournaments, and NFL Monday Night Football, with specific channels, start times and announcer line‑ups. Readers can quickly see which networks carry each game and plan their viewing schedule.
Tom Brady rips officiating in Lions-Packers over soft calls
During the Packers‑Lions game on Oct. 25, 2026, former quarterback Tom Brady, now a broadcaster alongside Kevin Burkhardt, erupts over two controversial rough‑the‑passer calls. In the fourth quarter, Detroit linebacker Derrick Barnes is flagged for a hit on a receiver, and later quarterback Jared Goff receives a 15‑yard penalty after a hard hit while delivering a pass to tight end Sam LaPorta. Brady calls both flags "soft" and "teach‑tape" tackles, a view echoed by Fox rules analyst Dean Blandio. Fans react strongly, noting Brady’s own history of protected calls, while the debate highlights growing frustration with NFL officiating.
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