News, and even new rumors, out of ESPN has been almost nonexistent as the supposed breakup of ESPN Radios longtime morning drive program, Mike & Mike, nears its apparent end.<\/p>\n
Sports Illustrated first reported the program might end, but no timetable has been specified since that initial report weeks ago. <\/p>\n
Still, the report seems logical, and its probably just a matter of the all-sports network finding the right timing. <\/p>\n
Maybe it will happen around the Final Four, or maybe it will be in the somewhat slower summer months when a replacement program makes its debut. <\/p>\n
Whenever it happens, whats next for Mike Greenberg might be a New York City-based morning program that airs on ESPN, perhaps a rebranded SportsCenter in the way the network turned its late-night show into a vehicle for Scott Van Pelt and, more recently, its approach to the 6 p.m. SportsCenter featuring Jemele Hill and Michael Smith. <\/p>\n
Whats next for Mike Golic might be another morning partner on radio or some combination of partners. <\/p>\n
Greenberg, who recently earned a big contract from ESPN, has seemingly sparked any potential changes to the show. <\/p>\n
The most recent was an ill-fated move to the Big Apple a couple of years ago. That was to include an additional host, with the show possibly emanating from Times Square. It never happened. <\/p>\n
For more than a decade and half, Mike and Mike has been the flag bearer for ESPN. The odd-couple chemistry of the two hosts might be a bit contrived at times, but it works. Still, with demographics changing, ESPN has been trying to find ways to broaden the shows audience even while the hosts age a bit. <\/p>\n
The show is rarely intentionally controversial and never mean spirited. For the most part, its good talk radio. <\/p>\n
ESPN often uses Mike and Mike to test out talent, too. A good performance by guests in that safe environment can often lead to bigger opportunities. <\/p>\n
Heres the thing, though: Mike and Mike might be better as a sum than in individual pieces. <\/p>\n
Greenbergs anti-germ sensibilities and lack of athletic experience, despite his journalism chops, still need a personality to play against. He has that in spades with self-deprecating Golic, the former NFL veteran who invariably puts his college career at Notre Dame front and center as well. <\/p>\n
Together, theyre fun and informative. Separately, they might be nearly as good. <\/p>\n
No matter what happens, they will be missed if the breakup occurs. From a program some thought might not last more than a few months, Mike and Mike has grown and earned a spot in the sports media landscape. The hosts and the show have earned respect throughout the industry. <\/p>\n
For example, when Rich Russo, the Penn State alum who directed the Super Bowl for Fox Sports a pretty heady job was told his name was mentioned on Mike and Mike before the big game he sounded genuinely thrilled. <\/p>\n
Mike and Mike is not take-a-side talk just for kicks. Its not a schtick, and that might be the biggest reason it will be a loss if the show ends. Its heart is in the fact that its genuine a rare find in sports-talk related programming anymore. <\/p>\n
Pirates plans <\/p>\n
With spring training underway, Pirates fans can pencil in Feb. 26 for the seasons first radio broadcast a 1:05 p.m. start in Sarasota, Florida, against the Orioles. <\/p>\n
The Pirates first televised spring training game will be March 6, a home game in Bradenton against the Yankees. <\/p>\n
Sampsell comments on TV and radio for the Mirror. He can be reached at stevesampsell@gmail.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n Not long ago, I was praising Penn State basketball coach Pat Chambers, believing signs he was turning this program ... <\/p>\n A dozen security guards handcuffing and dragging out a legendary player from courtside seats in the middle of a ... <\/p>\n Having lived through the complete history of professional football, I can say that although they retain some rules ... <\/p>\n Name: Randy Wilson Age: 26 Residence: Tyrone High school: Tyrone College: Penn State Altoona My favorite ... <\/p>\n We are nearing the end of the game, and time is running out. In the clamor and uproar of the modern sports ... <\/p>\n Patriots have advantage with added motivation A neat story in the NFL has emerged on Chris Hogan, a former Penn ... <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Go here to read the rest: News, and even new rumors, out of ESPN has been almost nonexistent as the supposed breakup of ESPN Radios longtime morning drive program, Mike & Mike, nears its apparent end. Continue reading
\n'Mike and Mike' chemistry was real - Altoona Mirror<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"